Iran will legitimately defend itself until US-Israeli aggression ends: UN envoy

NEW YORK, March 6, 2026: Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has reiterated that the Islamic Republic will continue to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense until the ongoing US-Israeli aggression ends.

In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and other member states, Iravani emphasized that Iran is acting under Article 51 of the UN Charter to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.

Civilian Targets Under Attack

Iravani condemned the attacks carried out by the US and Israel, describing them as war crimes targeting civilian infrastructure. He highlighted the destruction of sports facilities, public recreation centers, airports, schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

Significant incidents include strikes on Gandhi and Khatam hospitals in Tehran, the Minab girls’ primary school, and Frigate Dena, which together claimed the lives of nearly 170 children and 100 sailors. He also noted that attacks on sports centers have killed and injured several Iranian athletes competing in wrestling, judo, and taekwondo.

Call for UN Action

The Iranian envoy urged the UN Security Council and all member states to condemn the aggression and take immediate, collective steps to stop the war. He stressed that the US and Israel’s attacks violate international law, the UN Charter, and fundamental human rights.

Iravani called for accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, stating that the ongoing assault poses a serious threat to regional and global peace and security.

Iran’s Retaliation

The letter comes after the US and Israel launched a coordinated strike against Iran on Saturday morning, including an assassination attempt on the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has carried out missile and drone operations targeting both US military assets in regional countries and Israeli-occupied territories.

So far, official reports indicate that at least 1,230 Iranians have been killed in the attacks, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.