Iran alerts UN to Trump threat of force, says will defend itself

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
11 Feb 2025 22:41

Any act of aggression will have severe consequences, Iran's UN Ambassador has asserted, in response to Trump's recent remarks to the New York Post.

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Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, in the United Nations Security Council chamber during an emergency meeting at UN headquarters, Sunday, April 14, 2024 (AP)

Iran notified the United Nations on Tuesday about US President Donald Trump's "reckless and inflammatory statements", which threatened the use of force, warning that "any act of aggression will have severe consequences."

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, reviewed by Reuters, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani cited Trump's remarks in interviews with the New York Post and Fox News, during which he expressed his preference for reaching a deal with Iran rather than resorting to military action, emphasizing a non-nuclear agreement as a potential alternative.

"I would like a deal done with Iran on non-nuclear. I would prefer that to bombing the hell out of it," Trump stated in an interview with The New York Post aboard Air Force One on Friday.

Despite his alleged proclaimed willingness to negotiate, Trump declined to disclose specific details regarding potential discussions with Iran. When asked what he could offer Iran in return, he responded, "I can’t say that because it’s too nasty. I won’t bomb them."

"These reckless and inflammatory statements flagrantly violate international law and the UN Charter," Iravani wrote to the 15-member council.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran warns that any act of aggression will have severe consequences, for which the US will bear full responsibility," Iravani added, asserting that Iran will defend its sovereignty against any hostility.

Trump reinstated his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran last week, aiming to reduce its oil exports to zero as part of efforts to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. While Trump claimed he would be open to dialogue with Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned the sincerity of the United States.

Meanwhile Iravani, in his letter, stated that US policy "reinforces unlawful, unilateral coercive measures and escalates hostility against Iran," calling on the UNSC to denounce Trump's "brazen rhetoric."