Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday called on the United Nations to intervene and respond concretely to the sanctions imposed by the United States, describing them as “illegal and unilateral.”
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Araghchi stressed that Washington's sanctions not only violate international law but also have a severe impact on the lives of the Iranian people. He argued that the international community, especially the UN, must speak out and act rather than stand on the sidelines.
“These sanctions are contrary to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We expect this organization to take a clearer and more decisive stance against unilateral actions,” Araghchi said.
The Iranian foreign minister's remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, particularly over Iran's nuclear program. The US and its allies have imposed multiple rounds of sanctions to pressure Iran to return to negotiations on nuclear security terms.
Iran has repeatedly asserted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while viewing the sanctions as an unjustified tool of political pressure. Tehran has also declared it will not yield to external pressure.
Previously, at international forums, Iran has frequently criticized the US for withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) under the administration of Donald Trump and for imposing new sanctions that have pushed the agreement to the brink of collapse.
So far, the UN has not issued an official response to the Iranian foreign minister's appeal. However, diplomats suggest that the issue of unilateral sanctions will remain a flashpoint in upcoming discussions at the Security Council.
