Middle East crisis: Araghchi talks to Guterres, urges decisive action on attacks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urged that his country has high “expectations” from the UN Security Council and wants it to take a “responsible attitude” in condemning the “attacks and crimes” taking place in the region, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Araghchi and Guterres spoke on the phone on Tuesday amid increasing conflict in West Asia.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, “During this call, Iran’s Foreign Minister spoke in detail about the aggressive attacks and different aspects of US-Israeli war crimes, emphasizing that during these attacks, schools, hospitals, and civilian areas, including residential areas, as well as buildings and historical monuments, were targeted; these are actions that are a clear violation of international law and basic principles of humanitarian law.

“Noting the humanitarian consequences and massive damage caused by these attacks, he called on the international community and responsible institutions to strongly and clearly condemn these actions.”

It added, “Araghchi also stressed Iran’s internal right to defend itself against this imposed war, saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran had already warned all concerned parties in the region and beyond that if US military action were taken against Iran, it would definitely target all US facilities and bases in the region, which would lead to war across the region.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister said that such action would be taken within the scope of the ‘right of self-defense’ and based on the rules set by international law, and the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the security and protection of the lives of its citizens as a fundamental and essential responsibility.

The statement further said, “The Iranian Foreign Minister, noting the UN’s responsibilities to maintain global peace and security, stressed that the Iranian Government and the country expect the Secretary-General and the Security Council to take a more decisive and responsible stance in condemning attacks and crimes, and said that silence or inadequate reaction to such actions could lead to continued instability and tension in the region.”

Guterres also noted the need for efforts to prevent the spread of conflict in the region and mitigate its humanitarian and security consequences.

The UN report described the Secretary-General’s telephone call with Araghchi as, “They discussed the ongoing military increase in the area. The Secretary-General reiterated his views in previous statements.

He reminded that all parties need to fully respect international law and humanitarian law, as well as refrain from any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. “He also expressed deep concern over the impact of the ongoing conflict on the region and the global economy.”