Iran’s ambassador and UN permanent representative, Amir Seid Irabani, firmly denied allegations that Tehran had violated the UN embargo in Yemen, calling for a politically motivated charge that he was “completely unfounded.”
In a open discussion of maritime security debate at the UN Security Council, Irabani highlighted Iran’s commitment to international law, denounced unilateral sanctions in the West and foreign military interventions as destabilizing factors.
Irabani began by congratulating the Greek Security Council President, highlighting the importance of maritime security for world trade and stability. However, he warned that copyright infringement, organized crime, cyberattacks (“unilateral enforcement measures” and politicization of navigational rights will stand up to serious threats.
“As a major coastal state bordering the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Iran has long contributed to the safety of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, highlighting Iran’s role in securing important waterways like the Babu el-Mandev Strait and the Indian Ocean.
The ambassador criticized US territories sanctions to disrupt legal trade, including the illegal seizure of Iranian oil cargo. “Permanent maritime stability requires comprehensive regional cooperation rather than unilateral pressure,” he argued.
Irabani has dismissed claims by the US and Israel that Iran violates a UN resolution on Yemen and calls it a distraction from the real causes of regional instability. “The allegations that Iran is violating the UN arms embargo on Yemen are completely unfounded,” he declared. “Resolution 2216 is being misused by the United States to justify illegal measures beyond the council’s duties.”
He noted that the situation in the Red Sea was a direct result of Israel’s continued atrocities in Gaza and a direct result of “attacks and occupation” supported by the United States.
He affirmed, Iran is dedicated to supporting international maritime law and working with partners to ensure that she lanes “controlled by the rule of law, not by the power.”
Yemen’s Ansarlah Resistance, which controls the massive Arab state Swas, is carrying out anti-Israel operations in the Red Sea to force the regime to allow food and water to the besieged Gaza Strip.