In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the Security Council Fu Cong on May 8, Saeed Iravani described the late-night US attacks of May 7 as acts of aggression and a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. He also denounced a US maritime blockade, the seizure of Iranian commercial vessels, and the detention of their crews, warning that continued military escalation in the Persian Gulf could have catastrophic consequences beyond the region.

What follows is the text of his letter:

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Excellencies,

I am writing to express, in the strongest possible terms, the condemnation by the Islamic Republic of Iran of the aggressive military actions carried out by the armed forces of the United States against two Iranian oil tankers in the vicinity of the Port of Jask and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as attacks against several locations in Iran's coastal areas overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, during the late hours of 7 May 2026. These aggressive and provocative actions, openly acknowledged by the President of the United States, constitute a clear violation of the ceasefire of 8 April 2026, a flagrant breach of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations.

The United States has further continued its internationally wrongful acts through the imposition of a so-called maritime blockade, repeated attacks against and unlawful seizure of Iranian commercial vessels, and the taking hostage of their crews. Such unlawful actions are akin to piracy, violate international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and amount to acts of aggression, including under Article 3(c) of General Assembly resolution 3314 (XXIX) of 14 December 1974.

The unlawful actions of the United States constitute a grave and dangerous escalation that further destabilizes an already fragile region and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Such conduct is wholly inconsistent with the responsibilities of a permanent member of the Security Council that claims commitment to freedom of navigation. Rather than safeguarding maritime security, these actions undermine it and violate the fundamental principles of international law.

At a time when restraint, diplomacy, and dialogue are urgently required, the continued military escalation by the United States sends a clear signal that it advocates for coercion and militarism rather than the peaceful settlement of disputes. The consequences of the United States' continued military actions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz could be catastrophic, extending far beyond the region and undermining international peace and security, for which the United States would bear full responsibility.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, therefore, while underscoring its inherent right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and its right to take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, calls upon the Secretary-General and the Security Council to condemn unequivocally the United States' unlawful actions, including maritime blockade against the Islamic Republic of Iran and to urge the U.S. to comply with its obligations under international law and refrain from further provocative actions.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellencies, the assurances of my highest consideration.