Protecting Integrity: Ensuring the UN Security Council Remains Unbiased and Unexploited
On September 20, 2025, Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered a compelling statement highlighting the precarious situation facing the UN Charter. He expressed concerns about the ongoing threats to international law and multilateralism due to acts of aggression and political manipulation of UN mechanisms.
Iravani emphasized two critical issues that require the immediate attention of the UN Security Council (UNSC).
- Acts of Aggression by Israel: The first issue pertains to the aggressive actions taken by the Israeli regime against various countries in the region, including Iran. On June 13, 2025, Israel, with direct support from the United States, initiated a large-scale and unprovoked military offensive against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iravani underscored that the UNSC’s ongoing silence in the face of such blatant violations not only emboldens aggressors but also severely undermines the principles of the UN Charter.
- Misuse of UNSC Authority by European Parties: The second urgent matter involves the improper use of the UN Security Council’s authority by three European nations involved in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Acting under pressure from the United States, these countries attempted to invoke the so-called ‘snapback mechanism’ under Resolution 2231 (2015). This move aimed to reimpose sanctions that had already been lifted, which Iravani described as a baseless and unlawful action violating established protocols and contrary to the spirit of both the JCPOA and Resolution 2231. This politically motivated maneuver has been rejected by many members of the Council, including two permanent members, and by the broader international community, particularly the 121 member states of the Non-Aligned Movement. Iravani firmly declared that this action is null and void, carrying no legal validity.
The Iranian envoy pointed out that the erosion of trust in the United Nations is not due to its principles but rather from the failure to uphold these principles impartially and sincerely. He articulated that when acts of aggression go unpunished and unilateralism takes precedence over dialogue and multilateralism, the essence of the UN Charter diminishes, resulting in a loss of credibility for the Security Council.
Iravani concluded with a call to action, urging UN member states to reaffirm their commitment to the primacy of the UN Charter and to genuine multilateralism. He stressed the importance of equality, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law in international relations. Furthermore, he insisted that the Security Council must fulfill its primary responsibility impartially and effectively, ensuring that no member—regardless of its power—can manipulate this body for political or unilateral gains.
This statement from Iran’s representative not only sheds light on significant geopolitical tensions but also raises crucial questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security. As international relations continue to evolve, the need for a robust and equitable framework for dialogue and cooperation becomes increasingly vital.
In conclusion, the challenges facing the UN Charter and the Security Council are profound and multifaceted. The global community must unite to address these issues and restore faith in the principles that govern international law and multilateral cooperation.
