Iran Strongly Protests UN Resolution Notification: A Call for Global Attention

In a recent formal communication dated September 28, Amir-Saeid Iravani, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, expressed Iran’s strong objections regarding the actions taken by the UN Secretariat. This development highlights significant concerns about the authority and operations of the UN concerning Resolution 2231.

In his letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, Iravani referenced a prior letter from Iran’s Foreign Minister dated September 27. He asserted that Resolution 2231 does not empower the Secretary-General or the Secretariat to determine, declare, or notify Member States regarding what he termed the “so-called reapplication of terminated resolutions.” He articulated several key points that are critical to understanding Iran’s position:

• The operative paragraphs 11 and 12 of Resolution 2231 outline a specific mechanism for handling such matters.
• Iravani contends that the Secretariat’s unilateral actions overstep its authority.
• He firmly stated that Iran categorically rejects these actions, deeming them null and void and legally baseless.
• Iran believes this move violates the UN Charter directly.

The full text of Iravani’s letter provides detailed insights into Iran’s objections and clarifies its stance:

Excellency,

Further to the letter dated 27 September from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I wish to convey, in the strongest terms, our categorical objection to the action taken today by the Secretariat in “notifying Member States” of the so-called re-application of terminated resolutions concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this regard, I would like to draw your attention to the following:

Resolution 2231 does not provide any mandate whatsoever to the Secretary-General or the Secretariat to determine, declare, or notify Member States about the so-called reapplication of terminated resolutions. The resolution sets out a specific mechanism under operative paragraphs 11 and 12, placing the matter exclusively within the purview of the Security Council.

By acting unilaterally, the Secretariat has exceeded its authority and trespassed into the domain of the Council. The precedent of October 2020 is clear: when similar claims of “snapback” were raised by the United States, deep divisions within the Security Council over the validity of such a claim prevented the Secretariat from taking any unilateral or administrative steps to give effect to it. The restraint shown at that time reaffirmed the absence of any mandate under Resolution 2231 for the Secretariat to act independently in this highly contested matter.

By deliberately issuing this notification despite evident and fundamental disagreement among Security Council members, and in the face of the lack of consensus at the UNSC meeting on 19 September 2025, the Secretariat has taken sides with the three European countries and the United States. This action constitutes a serious breach of Article 100 of the Charter, which obliges the Secretary-General and the staff of the Secretariat to refrain from seeking or receiving instructions from any member or external authority, and to maintain the highest standard of independence and impartiality.

The Secretariat’s partiality in this matter undermines its credibility and impartial standing as an international civil service. Such conduct severely damages the trust of Member States in the Office of Secretariat and sets a dangerous precedent of politicization of the Secretariat’s role.

The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly rejects the action taken by the Secretariat today as null and void, lacking any legal basis, and in direct contravention of the Charter. We urge that this grave breach be immediately rectified and that assurances be provided that the Secretariat will fully respect its obligations under Article 100 of the Charter, refraining from any further action or interference in matters.

I would be grateful if you would circulate the present letter and its attachment as a document of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.

As highlighted in the letter, Iran’s position is clear: the actions of the Secretariat are considered a violation of established protocols and undermine the integrity of the UN framework. The concerns raised by Iravani center on the need for the UN Secretariat to adhere strictly to its defined role and responsibilities without overstepping its bounds.

Furthermore, Iravani pointed out that the actions taken by the Secretariat could lead to significant political ramifications, affecting the trust and credibility of the UN. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced and impartial approach in international relations, particularly in sensitive matters concerning member states.

In summary, Iran’s objections to the UN Secretariat’s actions reflect deeper issues regarding authority, legality, and the fundamental principles of international diplomacy. As this situation unfolds, it will be crucial for the UN and its member states to navigate these complexities carefully, ensuring that the integrity of the international system is upheld.

For those following international relations and the dynamics within the United Nations, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing diverse perspectives and maintaining neutrality in global governance.