Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi formally notified the United Nations on Saturday (02/28/2026) that the Islamic Republic will exercise its “inherent and legitimate right to self-defense” in response to coordinated large-scale airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel. In an urgent letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, Araghchi categorized the attacks on Iranian cities, including Tehran, as a manifest act of aggression and a direct breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
The Iranian diplomat emphasized that the offensive targeted both defensive installations and civilian sites, resulting in a grave threat to international peace.
Araghchi warned that, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Iranian Armed Forces will utilize all necessary resources to deter ongoing hostilities. Crucially, the Minister declared that all bases, facilities, and assets belonging to “hostile forces” in the region are now considered legitimate military objectives, signaling a potential expansion of the conflict zone if the aggression does not cease.
Iran is calling for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to address what it terms “unprecedented threats to global security.” While Washington and Tel Aviv justify the operations as defensive measures, Tehran holds both nations directly responsible for any resulting escalation.
Araghchi concluded his appeal by urging UN member states to unequivocally condemn the use of force and to hold the aggressors accountable for the consequences of this military campaign.
