TEHRAN – In a powerful speech at a special meeting of the Human Rights Council held at the United Nations in Geneva on Friday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut denounced Israel on June 13 for launching a provocative and illegal war with Iran.
He described the Israeli attack. The Israeli attack targeted the presence of residential buildings, military bases and nuclear weapons, and described it as a blatant violation of international law and a direct attack on Iran’s sovereignty.
Emphasizing Iran’s commitment to defending territorial integrity and sovereignty, Araguchi said, “We are determined to defend sovereignty, and we will defend territorial integrity and sovereignty with all our strength.” He characterized Israel’s actions as “unjust offensive behaviour,” and denounced the regime for distorting the situation to justify its military campaign.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that Israeli aggression represents a clear violation of the UN Charter and constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity. “The justification of this unfair war would mean an accomplice in that crime,” he pointed out, calling on members of the 1949 Geneva Convention to support their responsibility under international law.
Araguchi also pointed out the timing of the attack and noted what happened during a diplomatic process aimed at solving the problems surrounding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. He described the attack as “diplomacy betrayal” and a major blow to the international legal framework.
“This is now a historic moment for human civilization,” declared Araguchi. “The world, every government, every institution, and every mechanism must wake up and act now, stop invaders, stop immunity, and prosecute offenders who mercilessly commit crimes and atrocities in our area.”
Finally, Araguchi reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, but emphasized the need to protect Iran from external attacks.
Since being attacked last Friday, Iran has slammed the occupying territory with at least 17 missile and drone strikes. The country says the administration will continue to hamper Israel’s military and economic foundations until it “learn that lesson.”
Araguchi was scheduled to negotiate with foreign ministers of the UK, Germany and France after a UN speech to discuss the dangerous escalation of tensions.