Iran formally requested the UN Security Council hold Israel and the US accountable for initiating the recent 12-day conflict and to compensate Iran for damages, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres published on 29/6.
In the letter, Araghchi argued that the attacks carried out by Israel and supported by the US from 13/6 to 24/6 constituted "flagrant violations" of the UN Charter and several binding international agreements.
“Israel deliberately targeted residential areas, civilian infrastructure, and public services, including hospitals and relief centers," Araghchi wrote. "Such acts not only violate international humanitarian law, but also gravely infringe upon the fundamental right to life enshrined in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
 |
The scene of an airstrike in Tehran, Iran, on the morning of 13/6. Photo: AFP |
The scene of an airstrike in Tehran, Iran, on the morning of 13/6. Photo: AFP
According to Araghchi, several Iranian nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including sites in Qom, Arak, Natanz, and Isfahan, were attacked. The Iranian foreign minister asserted this action violated the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), IAEA regulations, and relevant UN resolutions.
He requested the Security Council ensure those who ordered or carried out the attacks are held accountable.
Araghchi emphasized the attacks on Iran not only seriously violated international norms but also directly attacked the foundation of international law. "Tolerating such acts will severely damage the credibility of the UN and set dangerous precedents for lawlessness in global affairs," he wrote.
The US and Israel have not yet commented on Iran’s move.
The conflict erupted on 13/6 when Israel launched a preemptive airstrike on Iran with "Operation Roaring Lion," killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with "Operation True Promise 3". The fighting left 627 dead and more than 5,300 injured in Iran, and 28 dead and more than 2,500 injured in Israel.
On the morning of 22/6, the US intervened in the conflict, dispatching bombers to attack three Iranian nuclear facilities and then calling for negotiations with Tehran. President Trump announced a day later that Iran and Israel had agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire. On 24/6, both Iran and Israel accepted the ceasefire, each declaring themselves the victor.
On 26/6, Araghchi said the nuclear facilities suffered "serious damage" after the 12 days of conflict, and Tehran was assessing the situation.
Huyen Le (AFP, Tehran Times, DW)
