In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres discussed the latest situation in the region, as well as the security and humanitarian consequences arising from the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.
The Iranian foreign minister informed the UN secretary-general about the latest developments and the crimes committed by the US and the Zionist regime.
Araqchi emphasized Iran's firm determination and will to continue its legitimate defense of national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The top Iranian diplomat, pointing to the brutal attacks by the US and the Zionist regime on non-military targets, including schools, hospitals, cultural and historical monuments, public places, and residential areas, reminded the United Nations and the secretary-general of their responsibility to address the blatant violations of the UN Charter and international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, by the aggressors.
Araqchi also criticized the one-sided positions and demands from certain parties for Iran to exercise restraint and cease hostilities, stressing that this evident reality should not be overlooked that it was the United States, along with the Zionist regime, that, betraying diplomacy and jeopardizing the security and interests of all countries in the region, initiated military aggression against Iran and imposed war on the region and the world.
The Iranian foreign minister considered the existing insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz to be a direct result of the lawbreaking and aggression of the US and the Zionist regime. He stated that the prevention of the passage of vessels belonging to or associated with the enemy and their allies is Iran's legal right as a coastal state, and the relevant authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, aware of their responsibilities to ensure security and safety of navigation in this waterway, have taken necessary measures.
Araqchi also called for a serious mobilization and for the United Nations to adopt clear and decisive positions in fulfilling its inherent duty to protect international peace and security by condemning the aggressors and utilizing the capacities of this organization and independent countries to hold them accountable.
For his part, the UN secretary-general emphasized the UN's principled position on the necessity of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing the organization's serious concern over the continuation of war and killing in the region.
Antonio Guterres announced the appointment of Jean Arnault as the secretary-general's representative for Middle Eastern affairs and stated that the purpose of his appointment is to establish direct communication with Iranian officials and consult with the Islamic Republic of Iran to help resolve the crisis.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.
In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.