Iran’s UN Envoy: Sovereignty and Nuclear Rights Are Non-Negotiable
In a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly, Iran’s Permanent Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, delivered a clear message: The Islamic Republic of Iran will never yield to threats or coercion, and its peaceful nuclear program is an undeniable right.
A Call for Impartiality and Professionalism
Ambassador Iravani began his remarks by acknowledging the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for a recent report. However, he immediately underscored a critical point for international bodies. “Such reports must always remain professional, factual, and free from any political influence,” he stated, emphasizing that the “credibility of the Agency is entirely dependent on its impartiality.”
The Inalienable Right to Peaceful Nuclear Energy
The ambassador firmly articulated Iran’s position on nuclear development, framing it as a matter of international law and equity for developing nations. He stressed that nuclear energy is “indispensable for development and energy security,” particularly for these countries. The transfer of nuclear technology, he argued, is an “inalienable and inherent right,” guaranteed by Article IV of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA statute, not a privilege to be granted.
He warned against any misuse of non-proliferation concerns to deprive nations of this right, labeling it a “serious violation of the text and spirit of the NPT.”
Condemnation of “Double Standards” and Aggression
A significant portion of the address focused on what Iran perceives as profound hypocrisy in the international system. Ambassador Iravani expressed deep concern that while some nations systematically restrict developing countries’ access to peaceful nuclear technology, they simultaneously provide “military assistance to the Israeli regime,” which he noted is not an NPT member and possesses a hidden arsenal of weapons of mass destruction.
He described a specific armed attack in June 2025 against Iran’s fully safeguarded nuclear facilities as a “deeply criminal and aggressive act.” The ambassador stated that this attack, which he claimed resulted in thousands of casualties and extensive material damage, constituted a “clear violation of international law” and the UN Charter. He expressed regret that the attacks were not condemned by the UN Security Council or the IAEA Director General.
Iran’s Stance: Diplomacy and Legitimate Defense
Despite what he characterized as acts of sabotage, assassinations, unlawful sanctions, and direct military attacks, Ambassador Iravani asserted that Iran has never violated the NPT or its safeguards agreements. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy while standing firm on its sovereign rights.
He concluded with a resolute declaration that set the tone for Iran’s future engagements on the world stage. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will never surrender to threat or coercion,” he declared. “Our response is only to respect, the rule of law, and equality. Military aggression and economic terrorism will never force Iran to give up its legitimate rights.”