Iranian Vice-President Mohammadreza Aref told UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during a meeting on the sidelines of the Third Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza, Turkmenistan, that if the UN had taken more appropriate action, the tragedies now unfolding in Palestine and Gaza might have been averted.
Referring to the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, Aref voiced concern that such acts could set a bad precedent in the region and undermine regional stability in the absence of serious international intervention.
Aref described the situation in Gaza as “barbaric and savage in the modern era” and called on the world body to take proactive, effective measures to deter the Israeli regime.
He also urged the UN to condemn the Iranophobic fear-mongering campaign waged by the West.
Aref lamented that while the United States has never concluded that Iran seeks non-peaceful nuclear applications, it still sided with the Zionist regime in its aggression.
He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran accepted a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds and, although constantly threatened with war, it remains committed to peace and has never initiated any conflict.
At the same meeting, Guterres emphasized that any attack by Israel or the United States on Iran is illegal and violates international law, underscoring the need to respect global norms and maintain the ceasefire.
The Secretary-General added that Iran’s nuclear issue must be resolved through diplomatic channels and affirmed the UN’s readiness to deploy all its resources to support a peaceful, diplomatic settlement.
Guterres also highlighted the importance of upholding Palestinian rights in light of the events in Gaza.
Earlier on Tuesday, Aref addressed the conference, saying Tehran will seek redress for the material and moral damage inflicted by US.-Israeli aggressions against its people and developmental infrastructure.