Iran calls US and Israeli actions 'horrific terrorist act' in letter to UN
Tehran formally submitted a complaint to the UN Security Council demanding an emergency session and international sanctions against Washington and Tel Aviv.
World — March 2, 2026
Iran submitted an official letter to the UN Security Council Monday condemning the ongoing US and Israeli airstrikes as 'a horrific terrorist act and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter,' and demanding an emergency session.
Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani delivered the document to the Security Council president, stating that Iran 'reserves its right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the inherent right of self-defense.'
The letter also called on member states to impose 'comprehensive sanctions' against the United States and Israel and to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice.
An emergency Security Council session was subsequently convened, but the US and Israel vetoed a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Russia and China both voted in favor of the ceasefire resolution and issued a joint statement saying the vetoes 'reveal the double standards that undermine the credibility of the international system.'
The UN General Assembly was expected to hold an emergency special session later in the week where resolutions can pass without veto—though they are non-binding.
