Iran's envoy tells UN Security Council ceasefire offers chance for diplomacy
HAMILTON: Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Amir Saeid Iravani, has said that the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel presents a renewed opportunity for diplomacy, arguing that Western attempts to force Tehran into submission have failed.
"We are now closer to diplomacy than ever before," Iravani said during a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting on non-proliferation on Tuesday, following 12 days of intense hostilities between the two regional foes.
He said the latest escalation had demonstrated the failure of coercive strategies aimed at forcing Iran to abandon its peaceful nuclear programme.
"The long, large-scale war they thought could force Iran into so-called 'unconditional surrender' through intimidation, threats and the use of force has failed more clearly than ever.
"This proves one simple truth: diplomacy and dialogue are the only path to resolving the unnecessary crisis over Iran's peaceful programme," he told the council.
Iravani also condemned Israel's participation in the meeting, saying it had no legal standing or relevance to the agenda.
"Legally and precedentially, Israel has no standing to take part in this meeting.
"This regime has no connection to the agenda. No Resolution 2231 or JCPOA," he said, referring to the 2015 UN Security Council Resolution 2231 which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme.
He accused Israel of committing what he described as "criminal aggression" with the full support of the United States.
"Israel has targeted Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, civilians and infrastructure.
"These attacks killed hundreds of innocent people, including women, children, nuclear scientists, academics, students, aid workers and military officials," he said.
Reaffirming Tehran's commitment to non-proliferation, Iravani said Iran continues to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and allows extensive monitoring of its nuclear activities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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