The war between Israel and Iran continues into its 9th day. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting, targeting Israel with a fiery speech labeling the conflict as 'illegitimate and forced upon us.' Araghchi portrayed Iran as a peace-loving nation, stressing its significant contributions to human civilization, culture, and ethics.
Araghchi pointed out, 'Today, our nation of 10 million has become the target of a substantial attack, carried out by a regime involved in a gruesome massacre in Palestine over the past two years and occupying neighboring territories. I urge you to remember your legal and moral responsibilities. Every member and observer of the Human Rights Council should stand against this grave injustice.'
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'This war has been forced upon us.'
He stated, 'Israel attacked Iran without provocation, violating Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and opposing the principles of this Council. This unjust and coercive war began on the morning of Friday, June 13. Israel targeted our soldiers, university professors, and civilians. Hundreds were killed or injured. Residential areas, hospitals, and public infrastructure were hit; our peaceful nuclear facilities, closely monitored by the IAEA, became targets in direct contravention of international law – a grave war crime that risks dangerous radioactive contamination affecting health and the environment.'
'Complicity in justifying war'
Araghchi emphasized, 'Being a founding member of the UN, Iran expects you all to stand for basic principles of justice, law, and humanity. We have been savagely attacked. This should not be distorted by Israel or its advocates. Justifying Israel's aggressiveness cannot be aligned with any legal or ethical parameters. Anyone condoning this becomes a partner in this injustice. Iran is defending itself against this brutal assault, being fully prepared to protect its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security as endorsed in Article 51 of the Charter.'
The Iranian Foreign Minister claimed, 'The defense of peace and law is now imperiled as Israel launched an unlawful attack on Iran. Israel is committing both war crimes and crimes against humanity. International humanitarian law, already undermined by Israel's atrocities in Palestine, is in critical danger because Israel breaches the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Switzerland, as the custodian of these Conventions, bears a crucial responsibility. Every state party to these 1949 Conventions should fulfill its responsibility, particularly under common articles 1 and 3.'
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'The attack occurred amid diplomatic efforts'
He revealed, 'We were attacked while engaged in diplomatic processes. A key meeting with the US was scheduled for June 15, aiming for a peaceful resolution of nuclear program disputes. Israel's aggression undermines diplomacy and strikes at international laws and UN principles. I must state plainly, if in the past 80 years we built institutions and systems to safeguard human rights and dignity, now is the time to employ them. We must act now. Remaining silent or passive is not an option. Inaction today will lead to regret later. The ramifications of this war will not stay confined to a single country; they will disrupt the entire region and beyond.'
Abbas Araghchi concluded, 'Moreover, the UN-based international legal order itself will be at risk. This is an historic moment for mankind, upon which a civilized nation's unjust war has been imposed. The international community – every country, every UN institution, and mechanism – must awaken and take immediate action to prevent the aggressor from escaping punishment, abolish impunity, and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.'
