US Breaches International Law by Imposing Restrictions on Iran Delegation
In a significant diplomatic move, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has accused the United States of violating its international obligations. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iravani highlighted the imposition of illegal restrictions on the movement of the Iranian delegation, which raises serious concerns about diplomatic protocols and international relations.
The full text of Iravani’s letter provides a detailed account of the situation:
In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
No. 2646974 23 September 2025
Excellency,
Upon the instruction received, I would like to draw your kind attention to yet another gross violation of obligations by the Host Country of the United Nations Headquarters.
On 8 September 2025, the United States of America, through No. HC 2025-92, announced the imposition of illegal restrictions on the freedom of movement of:
- H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- H.E. Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Other members of the Iranian delegation
These officials were traveling to New York to participate in the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. The restrictions imposed by the Host Country limited their movement to a radius of less than half a mile from the United Nations Headquarters, specifically bound by Second Avenue, East 42nd, and East 49th Street.
Furthermore, the United States has required prior “requests” for movement outside this restricted area, along with “appropriate justifications” to be submitted to internal authorities. This has hindered the delegation’s ability to attend various meetings outside the imposed perimeter.
On 18 September 2025, additional unlawful restrictions were announced, infringing on the privacy and dignity of Iranian representatives. These measures required the delegation to submit requests for purchasing essentials from certain stores, thus compromising their personal privacy.
These unlawful measures represent a blatant affront to the personal dignity of Iranian representatives and reflect a broader pattern of aggression by the United States. Iravani noted that such violations should be viewed alongside the U.S. “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, which includes:
- Acts of aggression against Iran in June 2025
- Unilateral coercive measures against the Iranian people
The United States has been accused of deliberately inflicting severe living conditions on the Iranian populace, grossly violating fundamental human rights, including the right to life and health. These actions have impeded access to essential medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
Despite these challenges, Iravani emphasized that U.S. aggression and disinformation campaigns would not alter the realities faced by the Iranian people. The primary objective of the United States appears to be undermining international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
He stated, “Ex iniuria ius non oritur,” meaning that law cannot arise from injustice. The restrictions on the freedom of movement of representatives from Member States to the United Nations cannot be justified under any circumstances.
These actions constitute a severe breach of the Host Country’s obligations under international law, including:
- Article 105 of the Charter of the United Nations
- The Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946)
- The Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations (1947)
- The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)
Such illegal measures violate the inviolability of representatives and attack their honor and dignity, demonstrating a clear breach of the Host Country’s obligations, particularly regarding the immunity of representatives from administrative jurisdiction.
Iravani stressed that the Host Country cannot dismiss its obligations based on bilateral political considerations or subordinate domestic laws. Instead, it must ensure full facilities for the performance of Member States’ functions, including the essential freedom of movement and travel.
The principles of non-discrimination in the execution of obligations to Member States are vital in upholding the foundational elements of the United Nations Charter. Iravani asserted that these unlawful movement restrictions contradict the very essence of the UN Charter and violate the principle of sovereign equality among Member States.
He recalled the position of the UN Legal Counsel in 1967, emphasizing that the Organization cannot function properly if representatives are impeded from performing their duties. Failure to ensure such essential freedoms could lead to irreparable harm to the UN’s functions and the rights of its Member States.
Iravani called for the Secretary-General to take urgent measures to address these violations, ensuring that the impediments to the Iranian delegation are lifted and that the Host Country fulfills its international obligations without bias.
In conclusion, he requested that this letter be circulated as an official document of the United Nations General Assembly under the agenda item entitled “Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country.” He reiterated that the Host Country must adhere to its obligations and refrain from actions that would hinder the efficient performance of representatives’ functions, particularly respecting the honor and dignity of the Iranian delegation.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
