Geneva [Switzerland], June 21 (ANI): Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi delivered a forceful address at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Saturday, denouncing Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran as “unprovoked aggression” and a “grave injustice.”
“This is an unjust war imposed on my people,” Araqchi declared, as he called on the international community to take urgent action against what he described as violations of international law and humanitarian principles.
The conflict, which began on June 13, has seen Israel launch extensive strikes on Iranian military and civilian infrastructure. Araqchi stated that Israel’s attacks have not only targeted military personnel but also university professors, civilians, homes, public infrastructure, hospitals, and even the foreign ministry.
“Hundreds of my fellow Iranians have been killed and injured following Israel’s surprise armed attacks and terrorist operations,” he said.
He also warned of catastrophic consequences stemming from Israeli attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, which are under the full oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“Israel’s attacks on nuclear facilities are grave war crimes, given also the danger of environmental and health catastrophe as a result of radiological leakage,” Araqchi cautioned.
The Foreign Minister emphasized Iran’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, asserting that Tehran will continue to defend its territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and security.
“We are entitled, tasked, and determined to defend our territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and security with all force,” he said.
Araqchi further accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, warning that continued inaction by the international community risks permanently undermining the 1949 Geneva Conventions and broader international humanitarian law.
“International humanitarian law, already badly undermined as a consequence of Israel’s relentless atrocities in occupied Palestine and elsewhere, is now under another extremely serious danger,” he added.
He firmly rejected any attempts to justify Israel’s actions, stating, “Israel’s aggression on Iran cannot and must not be justified by any legal or moral standards. Any such justification would amount to complicity.”
According to Al Jazeera, Iran reports that more than 400 people have been killed and over 3,000 injured since the Israeli attacks began, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis.
Araqchi concluded his remarks by urging the UN and its member states to stand firmly for justice, peace, and the rule of law: “Iran, a founding member of the United Nations system, rightfully expects each and every one of you to stand for justice, rule of law, and basic tenets of humanity and ethics.” (ANI)
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