UN Failed to Protect Global Peace, Trust in World Body Lost: Abbas Araghchi

NEW YORK: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticised the United Nations, saying confidence in the world body has declined because of what he described as its failure to effectively protect international peace and security.

Speaking after arriving in New York ahead of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, Araghchi said Iran was attending the General Assembly at a time when the country remained in what he described as an ongoing state of war following its conflict with the United States and Israel.

He said Iran would use the General Assembly platform to present the rights and interests of the Iranian people and explain Tehran’s position on international issues.

Araghchi said the United Nations had failed to play an effective role in protecting global peace and security, which, in his view, had damaged the organisation’s credibility and reduced international confidence in it.

Referring to this year’s General Assembly theme, “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” he said the broader debate over restoring confidence in international institutions reflected concerns about the UN’s effectiveness.

The Iranian foreign minister also criticised what he described as a situation in which some countries consider themselves above international law and international institutions, while their allies receive what he characterised as immunity from accountability.

Araghchi also criticised Western and European countries, saying states that present themselves as supporters of human rights and international law had remained silent over the current situation.

His remarks come amid continuing diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

After arriving in New York, Araghchi also held a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

According to Iranian media, the two discussed the agenda of the General Assembly as well as issues related to international peace and security.

Araghchi’s remarks came as world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly, while diplomatic contacts over ending the US-Iran conflict continued.

US President Donald Trump has also not ruled out the possibility of meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as international efforts to address the conflict continue.