Tehran’s recent legislative action signifies Iran’s commitment to international cooperation against crime, as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf notified President Masoud Pezeshkian about the country’s accession to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), known as the Palermo Convention. The Parliament approved this accession on September 25, 2018, and it received endorsement from the Expediency Council on May 14, 2025, confirming its alignment with Iran’s interests. This development reflects Iran’s dedication to combating organized crime globally and promoting collaboration with other nations for improved security and justice.
During the 15th Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) plenary session in Baku, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, condemned foreign interference in regional matters, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to sovereignty and unity. He met with Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova to discuss strengthening ties between Iran and Azerbaijan, highlighting the importance of economic relations, local problem-solving, and enhanced parliamentary cooperation. Ghalibaf proposed initiatives to improve border trade and increase flights between Tehran and Baku. Gafarova supported regional cooperation through the 3+3 talks policy. Iran is set to chair the APA in 2027-2028, promoting parliamentary diplomacy among Asian nations.
Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeed Iravani, condemned recent US military actions and aggressive rhetoric towards Iran and Yemen, expressing concerns about violations of international law. In a letter to the UN, he criticized US officials for belligerent statements justifying military strikes against Yemen, which resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals, mostly women and children. Iravani rejected the anti-Iran accusations and warned that any aggression against Iran would have serious consequences. He urged the UN Security Council to denounce US threats, highlighting the need for accountability and adherence to international norms to ensure regional peace and stability.
In an address at the UN Human Rights Council, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the manipulation of human rights by certain nations to exert political and economic pressure. He emphasized that human rights should be pursued with mutual respect and non-interference, calling for fairness and impartiality in protecting these rights. Araghchi condemned unilateral sanctions, stating they harm ordinary citizens, particularly vulnerable groups. He highlighted Iran’s suffering from such measures and demanded their immediate lifting. Additionally, he condemned Israeli actions against Palestinians, calling for accountability and a unified international response to these injustices.
In an interview with Iran’s al-Alam, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the importance of actions over words, responding to former President Trump’s reinstatement of a stringent “maximum pressure” policy against Iran. This policy, which involves sanctions and restrictions following the US’s withdrawal from a nuclear agreement, has been ineffective, according to Araghchi. He asserted that Iran will not negotiate under pressure and is adapting by diversifying its economic partnerships and boosting domestic production. He also addressed upcoming political exchanges with Qatar, emphasizing Iran’s resilience and commitment to sovereignty in the face of US threats and rhetoric.
Iran is set to strengthen ties with Afghanistan as President Masoud Pezeshkian and acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met during the Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025. They discussed fostering dialogue to tackle challenges between the two nations, emphasizing their shared Islamic heritage and common views on international issues. Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Afghan people, while Muttaqi praised Iran as a “good neighbor” and expressed hopes for enhanced trade, currently at $3 billion. He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the potential for Afghanistan to become a secure trade hub following improvements in security and stability.