In a statement delivered during the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly in New York on February 24, Iran’s representative reiterated Tehran’s longstanding position that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in full accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
Explaining the vote, the envoy said the resolution was introduced without transparent consultations and at an inopportune moment, warning that it may serve political rivalries rather than contribute to a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
The full text of the statement is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Madam President,
I would like to reiterate my delegation’s consistent position which has been expressed numerous times during Eleventh Special Session since 2022.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its principled position that all disputes, should be resolved through peaceful means and dialogue, in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
Since the onset of the crisis in Ukraine, the Islamic Republic of Iran has maintained a clear, consistent, and unwavering position. We have underscored that all UN Member States must fully respect the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as the obligation to respect internationally recognized borders and to refrain from the threat or use of force.
My delegation has consistently supported efforts to achieve lasting peace and has maintained that long-term, sustainable solutions to this crisis require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including provocative actions and decisions by certain States and NATO.
Regrettably, the current resolution fails to do so. Moreover, as this text was presented at an inopportune time and without prior transparent consultations, it not only fails to advance peace but may also exacerbate existing divisions.
We have some concerns that the purpose of this resolution is not to support lasting peace in Ukraine, but rather to serve as a political maneuver in an ongoing geopolitical rivalry.
For these reasons, my delegation voted against the resolution.
Finally, it should be emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its constructive engagement in support of a peaceful resolution to this crisis.
Regrettably, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been facing baseless allegations of supporting one side in this conflict, claims that my delegation has repeatedly denied and continues to categorically reject.