Israel has strongly objected to Iran being allowed to address the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) just before crucial nuclear talks in Geneva. Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron sent a letter to the council’s president, condemning the move and questioning the council’s credibility.
In his letter, Meron stated that giving Iran the floor was a “blatant betrayal” of those who have suffered under Iran’s regime. He added that it undermines the integrity of the council and gives Iran an international platform to promote what he called its “despotic campaign.”
Despite the objections, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to speak at the council. Immediately after, he is expected to meet EU foreign policy chief and foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany for talks aimed at reducing current tensions in the region.
These developments follow ongoing military escalation. Israel began launching attacks on Iran last week, claiming they were aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran, in turn, responded with drone and missile strikes. While Israel accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, Tehran insists its program is entirely peaceful.
Earlier this week, Iran’s ambassador to the UN accused Israel of committing “acts of war against humanity” during his own address to the UNHRC, further fueling the diplomatic and military confrontation.