Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of committing war crimes and launching an unprovoked attack on Iran. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he said Israel violated international law and the UN charter by targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities and civilian areas. He revealed that hundreds of Iranians have been killed in these attacks.
Araghchi stated that Israel’s actions violate Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter and are an attack on global peace. He described Israel as an occupying force committing genocide in Palestine for the past two years. He urged all member states and observers of the Human Rights Council to take a clear stand against Israel’s aggression and injustice.
The Iranian FM emphasized that Israel’s attacks included hospitals, public infrastructure, residential areas, and even the Foreign Ministry. He said these were acts of terrorism. He further stressed that Israel’s strike on nuclear sites—despite IAEA oversight—was a major war crime and posed serious environmental and health risks due to potential radiation leaks.
Araghchi declared that Iran has every right to defend its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national security. He criticized Western silence over the attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and questioned why the West avoids condemning such actions. He also accused the U.S. of betraying diplomacy by attacking Iran during ongoing peace talks.
Speaking to journalists earlier, Araghchi said talks with the U.S. are meaningless while Israeli aggression continues. He ruled out any discussion on Iran’s defensive missile program. He confirmed that European foreign ministers will meet him in Geneva today to resume talks on Iran’s nuclear program, with U.S. agreement to the dialogue.