Iran’s ambassador and UN permanent representative Amir Saeed Irabani told members of the UN Security Council that Iran’s Islamic Republic will continue to support the Syrian people in their efforts to restore peace, stability, reconstruction and national reconciliation.
The full speech of the Iranian ambassador’s speech at the UN session in New York is as follows:
Statement by
He is Amir Said Irabani
Ambassador and permanent representative
Iran’s Islamic Republic to the United Nations
In front of the UN Security Council
“The Middle East situation: (Syria)”
New York, September 18, 2025
Thank you, President.
We would like to thank Mr. Pedersen and Secretary Fletcher for their helpful and insightful briefing. We have noted the statement submitted by Majd Chourbaji.
I would like to create the following points regarding the situation in Syria.
First, the humanitarian situation: The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire and continues to get worse. A serious lack of funding threatens life-saving aid operations and makes millions of Syrians vulnerable. We commend OCHA, the United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners for their tireless efforts to provide assistance in extremely difficult circumstances. Complete, safe, prompt, unhindered humanitarian access to all affected communities is essential, strictly following the principles of humanity, neutrality, equity and independence.
Beyond the urgent need for humanitarian relief, Syria continues to face deep economic challenges and an escalating food crisis. Inflation, devastated infrastructure, broken supply chains, energy shortages and repeated droughts threaten the survival of millions. These difficulties are the direct result of years of unilateral enforcement measures imposed on Syria. This is illegal, illegal and a blatant violation of the UN Charter. These illegal measures severely hinder recovery, hinder reconstruction and exacerbate the suffering of Syrian people. They must lift up completely without conditions in order for Syria to rebuild its economy, restore its livelihoods and enable safe and dignified benefits for refugees and internally displaced people. Sanctions should not be used as a means of political coercion or interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
Second, in security situations, ceasefire arrangements remain vulnerable, but instability persists in Sweida and other regions. Terrorist groups such as Da’esh, Al-Qaida and related foreign terrorist fighters continue to destabilise Syria and the wider regions, seriously undermining regional and international security and security.
The Security Council should also not ignore the ongoing instability and aggressive actions of the Syrian Israeli regime. Iran emphasizes that all foreign occupations must end. Israeli attacks, including repeated airstrikes on Syrian territory, constitute a serious violation of international law and the UN Charter. The Council must not remain silent on these violations.
Third, on the political process: Syria’s lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through a comprehensive, Syrian-owned, Syrian-led political process. This process really needs to include all the communities. Excluding important groups is at risk of deepening frustration, undermining legitimacy and destabilizing an already vulnerable situation. Such a process must protect the legitimate rights and aspirations of all Syrians, while maintaining Syrian sovereignty, independence, unity and state institutions. In this context, we support the recent diplomatic involvement of special envoys with Syrian authorities in Damascus on a comprehensive political transition.
Fourth, regarding Iran’s principled position: we repeat that we must fully respect Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Attempts to impose external agendas or fragment the country are unacceptable. We are concerned about the agenda or demand for federalization or autonomy. Incorrectly, these aspirations can promote fragmentation and new conflict. They were able to deal responsibly through comprehensive national dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations, and instead contributed to reconciliation and stability.
Iran will continue to support their efforts to restore peace, stability, reconstruction and national reconciliation with the Syrian people in perfect agreement with the will of the Syrian people.
Thank you to the President.
MNA/