Iran Speaks at the UN: We Will Continue to Defend Ourselves Until These Barbaric Acts Stop

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW YORK — Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Amir Saeid Iravani, said that Iran will continue to defend itself until the aggression and attacks described as barbaric acts by the United States (US) and Israel ceased. “We will continue to exercise our inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter until this aggression and these barbaric attacks stop. Our response is lawful, necessary, and proportionate,” Iravani told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday (6 March 2026). He stated that Iran only targets military targets in response to aggression directed at its country. “Iran only targets military targets by the aggressors. We do not target civilians. We do not target the interests of neighbouring states. At present we are examining allegations relating to attacks on non-military locations,” Iravani said. “Our initial assessment indicates that some of these incidents may have occurred due to interception or interference by United States defence systems that could cause strikes to deviate from the intended military target,” he added. He also stressed that Iran is not seeking war. “Iran is not seeking war. Iran does not want escalation. However Iran will never surrender its sovereignty,” Iravani said. “Our ancient and proud civilisation shows that Iran has always been a nation that loves peace and is committed to living side by side, with dignity and mutual respect among nations. We will take all steps necessary to defend our people, our territory, and our independence,” he stressed. Iravani added that the leadership selection in Iran is entirely determined by the Iranian people without foreign interference. “Iran is a sovereign and independent country. Iran does not accept and will never allow foreign powers to meddle in its internal affairs. Our Constitution is clear. The election of Iran’s leadership will be conducted entirely in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely based on the will of the Iranian people without foreign interference,” he said.