WANA (Jan 20) – Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said Western countries are complicit in the bloodshed of Iranians, stressing that if they were genuinely concerned about the Iranian people, they would have condemned the crimes committed by the United States and Israel during the “12-day war.”

 

Speaking at a meeting hosted by Iran’s mission in Geneva on Monday afternoon (January 19, 2026), Bahreini addressed ambassadors and representatives of various countries to discuss recent developments in Iran.

 

Bahreini presented a comprehensive report on the course of protests since December 28, noting that demonstrations initially began peacefully by merchants, guilds, and economic actors, and were met with an immediate governmental response through dialogue and reform measures.

 

He emphasized, however, that subsequently organised armed and terrorist elements entered the scene, steering the protests toward violence, including shootings targeting civilians and security forces.

 

He described these actions as a continuation of the strategy of the “12-day war,” aimed at provoking foreign intervention and transferring insecurity into Iranian territory. “There is audio evidence and credible documentation showing orders given by these elements to open fire on civilians,” Bahreini said.

 

Referring to statements by US and Israeli officials, including remarks by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Israeli media activity on the social media platform X, the Iranian representative pointed to direct US and Israeli involvement in supporting what he described as terrorist acts. He called this a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

Bahreini strongly criticised the positions of certain Western governments that, instead of condemning terrorism, denounced Iran’s security forces, calling such behaviour a clear example of hypocrisy.

 

He further stated that after relative calm was restored, the Islamic Republic of Iran did not adopt a harsh and sweeping security approach. “From the highest levels of the system — from the Supreme Leader and the President to judicial authorities — there has been clear emphasis on distinguishing between organized violent elements and ordinary citizens,” he said.

 

According to Bahreini, the Iranian president explicitly ordered that no security action be taken against protesting citizens and instructed the judiciary to treat detainees with leniency and compassion. The interior minister, he added, was tasked with pursuing legitimate demands through dialogue with protest representatives.

 

Addressing Iran’s judicial process, Bahreini underlined that “any implementation of sentences without full observance of legal standards would be contrary to national laws.”

 

“Iran does not seek war, but it is fully prepared to defend itself,” he said. “We prefer peace, but preparedness is the best deterrent against miscalculation.” He added, “Western countries are complicit in the bloodshed of Iranians.”

 

If they truly cared about the Iranian people, they would have condemned the crimes committed by the United States and the Israeli regime during the 12-day war. Instead, they are now attempting to strike an ethical pose that lacks credibility. Such behaviour does not deceive the Iranian people, he said.”

 

Bahreini stressed that Iranian citizens’ rights are not a subject for foreign political exploitation, adding that governments with records of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and open complicity in genocide lack both moral and civilizational standing to lecture Iran on how to manage its society.

 

He described calls for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council on Iran as political and counterproductive, urging friendly countries to condemn what he called the politicised agenda of certain Western states.

 

The Iranian envoy also noted that temporary internet restrictions were imposed solely to maintain public security and that the full restoration of access is under review.

 

Concluding his remarks, the Bahreini reaffirmed Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty, pursue justice, and remain open to fair negotiations, saying the Iranian nation, through unity and resilience, has once again thwarted foreign plots.

 

At the end of the meeting, participating ambassadors expressed sympathy with the Iranian people and government over recent developments, condemned any foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs, and rejected the political use of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.

A bus burned during Iranian protests is displayed on a street in Tehran, Iran, January 16, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)