Iran at UN: Two-State Draft A Cover for Zionist Crimes, Real Solution Is Palestinian Sovereignty

Addressing the 2nd plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly about “Agenda Item 35: Question of Palestine – Draft Resolution A/80/L.1/Rev.1”, held in New York on September 12, the representative of Iran to the UN denounced decades of failed initiatives and concessions that, instead of curbing Israel’s crimes, have only emboldened its expansionist and apartheid policies.

The envoy stressed that the so-called two-state draft sidesteps the real issue—the ongoing occupation—and reiterated that Iran’s position is rooted in unconditional support for the Palestinian people’s right to full self-determination.

Here is the full text of the explanation of Iran’s position:

Madam President,

Honorable colleagues,

As our world faces an unprecedented situation, the fundamental values we collectively uphold, including humanity, justice, and integrity, are under severe threat by an occupying power whose policies reflect systemic discrimination, territorial expansionism, and disregard for international humanitarian norms. After nearly two years of relentless military assault, the Palestinian people—especially in Gaza—are enduring mass killings, forced displacement, starvation, and the systematic destruction of civilian life and infrastructure, in flagrant violation of international law. The devastation is not confined to Palestine alone; Israel’s repeated aggressions against other countries further destabilize the region and threaten international peace and security.

Decades of concessions, diplomatic overtures, and normalization attempts have failed to halt Israel’s crimes and illegal occupation, instead emboldening it to intensify its expansionist, racist, and colonial policies. The systematic disregard for United Nations resolutions—shielded by repeated Security Council vetoes and sustained arms transfers—has demonstrated that current approaches, though presented as decisive, cannot achieve their stated objectives. A just and lasting solution will remain out of reach unless the international community adopts binding resolutions that address the root causes, ensure accountability, and uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

Madam President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access, and reconstruction that fully respects the rights of the Palestinian people. Iran also recalls its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s steadfast resistance to occupation, foreign intervention, and apartheid policies. Iran affirms that lasting peace can only be achieved through ending the occupation and fully realizing the independence and sovereignty of the State of Palestine. This must be grounded in the genuine will of its original inhabitants—Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike—expressed through a free and inclusive referendum, as proposed in document S/2019/862.

In conclusion, Iran believes that any viable solution must be based on recognizing the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self‑determination, rejecting any form of marginalization or forced displacement, and ensuring the full and equal participation of every segment of Palestinian society in shaping the country’s future. The international community must urge the Security Council to recommend Palestine’s admission as a full Member State of the United Nations and ensure full accountability for Israel’s war crimes, genocide, and prolonged illegal occupation, including through the imposition of targeted sanctions and the suspension of its UN membership, in order to safeguard the credibility of this Organization.

I thank you.