Trump’s Threat Gross Violation of UN Charter, Iran Envoy Says

UN envoy Majid Takht Ravanchi on Tuesday sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the Security Council Abdou Abarry to voice Iran’s protest at the US president’s recent threat of military attack.

In a tweet on Monday, Trump said any attack by Iran would be met with a response “1,000 times greater in magnitude”, after a Politico report alleged that Iran has plans to avenge the assassination of top commander Lt. General Qassem Soleimani by killing the US ambassador to South Africa.

Following is the text of the Iranian ambassador’s letter:

“Excellency,

I am writing to inform you that, on 14 September 2020, the President of the United States of America, referring to “press reports”, made a baseless allegation against the Islamic Republic of Iran and threatened to use force against my country. Hours later, he repeated the same threat.

Such a provocative statement constitutes a gross violation of the very fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, particularly its Article 2(4) that clearly prohibits the threat or use of force.

This is not the first time that the President of the United States has threatened to use force against Iran. Following the horrific assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani, the Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on 3 January 2020 (S/2020/13), and in the course of 3 to 5 January 2020, he threatened on five different occasions to use force against Iran (S/2020/16).

We seriously warn about any further military adventurism against Iran by the United States who must bear the full responsibility for all consequences.

The irresponsible policies and unlawful practices of the United States pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the United Nations Security Council to demand that the United States put an end to its threats and unfettered policies and hold that country accountable for its wrongful acts.

The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right to self-defense to protect its people, defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and secure its national interests against any aggression.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter circulated as a document of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”