Rewritten Title: At 80-Year Mark, UN’s Effectiveness Questioned Amid Global Crises, Iran Diplomat States
Iranian Official Criticizes UN Security Council Inaction, Calls for Renewed Commitment to Charter Principles
In a press briefing marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Ismail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed deep concern over what he described as alarming trends in the international arena. He stated that the world is currently witnessing severe violations of the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, which are placing global peace and security at unprecedented risk.
A Dangerous Departure from Founding Principles
Baghaei emphasized Iran’s steadfast commitment to the UN Charter, portraying the nation as a “civilized and cultured country” that has consistently worked towards enhancing international peace and security. He identified “dangerous trends” such as unilateralism, the normalization of using force, and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states as key challenges plaguing the global community.
A Test Failed: Inaction on Alleged Aggression
The spokesperson pointed to specific events as a critical test of the UN’s efficacy. He referenced an alleged military aggression by the United States and the “Zionist regime” against Iran, stating that the United Nations performed poorly in its response. He specifically criticized the UN Security Council, which he said is under the influence of the United States, for being unable to issue even a brief statement condemning the act.
International Support for Iran’s Stance
Baghaei highlighted that Iran’s position has garnered significant international backing. He noted that at a recent meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) foreign ministers in Uganda, 120 countries supported Iran’s condemnation of the alleged military aggression. Furthermore, he stated that this coalition affirmed the view that Western efforts to reimpose previously lifted sanctions against Iran are illegal. He also cited the supportive stances of Russia and China, two permanent and influential members of the Security Council, as evidence that a significant portion of the international community remains loyal to the UN Charter’s principles.
A Call for Action, Not Apathy
The senior diplomat urged all countries to demonstrate their commitment to the UN Charter in practice. He warned that passivity and indifference only serve to strengthen the dangerous trend of unilateralism, undermining the multilateral system.
A Mixed Assessment After Eight Decades
When asked for an overall assessment of the UN’s performance after eight decades, Baghaei offered a nuanced perspective. He affirmed that Iran has been an active and responsible member of the UN since its founding. He acknowledged the organization’s positive achievements in various fields, including global health and environmental protection, cautioning that the UN should not be judged solely on the performance of its Security Council.
However, he delivered a sharp critique of the Security Council itself, labeling its performance as deficient. As the primary organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security, its failure to fulfill its duties, he argued, negatively impacts all other aspects of the UN’s work. He concluded by calling on the international community to stand more firmly against violations of human rights and the UN Charter, urging all nations to play their part in preserving global peace and security.