Iran Urges Gaza Ceasefire and Advocates for Full UN Membership for Palestinians

In a powerful statement at the United Nations, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Amir Saeed Iravani, reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination. He called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, advocating for a just and lasting peace, along with full Palestinian membership in the United Nations.

The full text of Iravani’s speech at the U.N. during the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which took place from July 28-30, 2025, is as follows:

Statement by H. E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani
Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the U.N.
New York – 28-30 July 2025

Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues,

For nearly eighty years, the Palestinian territories have witnessed significant concessions granted to the occupying regime. The policy of appeasement has proven ineffective in achieving peace and has instead legitimized the Israeli regime’s expansionist policies. Since 1947, the ongoing occupation and annexation of Palestinian territories, along with the establishment of illegal settlements, have escalated the violation of Palestinians’ inherent rights.

Moreover, the aggression extends beyond Palestinian territories, with Syrian and Lebanese lands also under Israeli occupation. The Gaza Strip has been devastated, with thousands of its inhabitants facing brutal violence. Furthermore, there are ongoing plans to annex the West Bank, further exacerbating the situation. The so-called Ibrahim Accord has proven to be ineffective in resolving the Palestinian question, instead reinforcing the regime’s destabilizing policies.

It is important to note that the Israeli regime has consistently disregarded U.N. resolutions pertaining to the Palestinian issue. This defiance is facilitated by the unyielding support from the U.S. in the Security Council, which has used its veto power approximately 50 times to shield Israel from justice. The unchecked flow of arms to Israel continues to enable its acts of violence in Gaza and other regions.

The brutality exhibited by the Israeli regime, which violates international law and the U.N. Charter, has also extended to Iranian territory. Between June 13 and 25, 2025, Iranian infrastructure, scientists, and civilians, including women and children, were targeted in unprovoked attacks by the Israeli regime, with direct U.S. involvement.

Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues,

We, the Islamic Republic of Iran, reaffirm our steadfast support for the Palestinian people in their right to self-determination. We advocate for resistance against apartheid, foreign intervention, and occupation while promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Over the last two years, Iran has continuously called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and has warned the international community about the risks of the conflict escalating across the region if Israeli aggression persists.

The U.N. Charter emphasizes the principle of self-determination, mandating the organization to respect each nation’s right to freely choose its destiny. With this in mind, Iran reiterates its conviction that genuine peace and security in the region can only be realized through the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine. This state should reflect the will of its original inhabitants, regardless of their religion—be it Islam, Judaism, or Christianity—expressed through a free and inclusive referendum. Accordingly, Iran has proposed a nationwide referendum among the Palestinian people to democratically determine the future of their nation, as outlined in document S/2019/862.

Mr. President,

There is no doubt that the political achievements of the Palestinians have come at the cost of their blood and sacrifices in their struggle against the Israeli regime and its supporters. The past two years have seen thousands of innocent Palestinians slaughtered, and efforts to erase the Palestinian cause from international discourse have utterly failed.

Mr. President, the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that any authentic initiative aimed at realizing the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people must incorporate the following core principles:

A just and lasting peace in Palestine can only be achieved through the complete realization of the Palestinian people’s inherent right to self-determination and the total end of occupation, apartheid, and colonial domination. Reviving discredited formulas merely legitimizes aggression and deepens injustice. Realistic and democratic approaches are essential for sustainable peace.
Immediate and unconditional ceasefire must be enforced, ensuring full and sustained humanitarian access to Gaza and all occupied Palestinian territories. This ceasefire should lead to the reconstruction of Gaza, respecting the rights of Palestinians.
All forms of forced displacement—including so-called “safe zones” and any attempts to forcibly transfer or resettle Palestinians—must be categorically rejected. Such actions constitute grave breaches of international law and should not be normalized under any circumstances.
Full membership for Palestine in the United Nations must be prioritized. The Security Council is obligated to recommend Palestine’s membership under Article 4 of the U.N. Charter. This recommendation is long overdue and reflects the international community’s overwhelming will as expressed in General Assembly resolutions.
The occupying regime should be held accountable for its systematic violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. This includes war crimes and the prolonged illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. No form of immunity should protect these egregious violations. The Israeli regime must face targeted sanctions to uphold the integrity of the U.N.

Any attempt to normalize relations with the Israeli regime while it continues its illegal occupation and atrocities is a betrayal of international law and justice. Such actions undermine both regional and global peace, granting unwarranted legitimacy to the criminal practices of the Israeli regime and emboldening it to continue its violations.

We advocate for a sustainable solution, warning that any resolution rooted in injustice and inequality will ultimately fail.