Unmasking Islamophobia: A Justification for Israeli Occupation Revealed

On March 14, 2025, during a significant UN high-level meeting commemorating the International Day against Islamophobia, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, voiced his strong condemnation of the rising trend of hatred against Muslims. He asserted that “the Zionist regime” employs Islamophobia as a justification for its ongoing occupation and crimes against the Palestinian people.

Iravani’s remarks highlight the urgent need to address Islamophobia, which has become a pressing global concern. His statements came in response to the continuous oppression of Palestinians, emphasizing that daily, the world witnesses brutal acts committed against those living under occupation in their homeland.

“The occupying regime, in cooperation with its allies, is trying to justify its war crimes, apartheid policies, and systematic oppression by creating a false connection between Islam and terrorism,” Iravani stated. This declaration underscores the complex interplay between political conflict and religious discrimination.

Key Points from Amir Saeid Iravani’s Speech

• Condemnation of Islamophobia: Iravani condemned the increasing trend of Islamophobia and its use as a tool for justifying violence and occupation.
• Call for Action: He urged the international community to take effective measures to combat Islamophobia in all its forms.
• Impact on Palestinians: The ambassador highlighted the daily aggression against Palestinians, drawing attention to their plight under occupation.
• Responsibility of Western Nations: He called on Western countries to criminalize acts of violence and hatred directed at religious symbols and texts.
• Support for Initiatives: Iran expressed its readiness to support the nomination of a Special Envoy dedicated to combating Islamophobia.

Full Text of Iravani’s Statement

Below is the full text of Iravani’s speech at the UN:

“In the Name of God, the Compassionate the Merciful
At the outset, let me begin by appreciating you, Mr. President, for convening this important informal plenary meeting.
Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues,
Three years ago, the adoption of the General Assembly resolution 76/254 clearly reflected a shared commitment to addressing Islamophobia as one of the most alarming manifestations of intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, and incitement to violence against people based on their religion.
Subsequently, the adoption of the resolution on ‘measures to combat Islamophobia’ last year reiterated this unified dedication by requesting effective measures to eradicate Islamophobia in all its forms.
It has also underscored the critical need for increased efforts to raise awareness and combat the spread of hate speech, which includes, inter alia, urging the implementation of all necessary measures, such as legislative and policy actions, to combat Islamophobia.
Distinguished colleagues,
The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its profound concern regarding the extensive network of anti-Muslim campaigns, which includes the utilization of media outlets and social media platforms. These practices and policies, regardless of their location, have detrimental effects on Muslims globally, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as under foreign occupation or in minority communities.
In this regard, the world continues to witness daily aggressions against Palestinians whose homeland is under occupation. Israel, as an occupying regime, in cooperation with its allies, maintains a futile attempt to excuse its atrocities, crimes, and apartheid practices by fabricating a direct link between Islam and terrorism.
In addition, the Muslim Ummah has been subjected to violence, defamation, and desecration of their values, shrines, and the holy book in several Western countries under the guise of freedom of expression. We firmly call upon all those countries to continue criminalizing and prohibiting violence and hatred against religious symbols and holy books in their national laws and to actively engage in collective efforts to address Islamophobia.
In conclusion, my country is firmly determined to continue its support of all efforts to combat Islamophobia and religion-based extremism. Accordingly, Iran welcomes the nomination of H.E. Mr. Moratinos as the Secretary-General Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia. Iran also expresses its readiness to actively engage in the work of the Special Envoy and closely collaborate with him in this regard.
I thank you.”

The call for action against Islamophobia is more crucial than ever as the global landscape becomes increasingly complex. Iravani’s statements reflect the need for solidarity and action in combating discrimination and promoting understanding among different cultures and religions. The Iranian government stands firm in its commitment to support initiatives aimed at eradicating Islamophobia and fostering a more inclusive world.

As discussions on this subject continue, it remains essential for global leaders and organizations to collaborate and establish effective strategies to address and combat Islamophobia. Only through collective efforts can we hope to build a more harmonious society that respects and values diversity.