Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemns Israel’s unprovoked attacks on Iran as war crimes before the UN Human Rights Council, urging urgent international action to uphold justice and protect global peace.

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Abbas Araghchi Condemns Israeli Aggression as Grave War Crimes

In a powerful address to the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on June 20 in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply condemned Israel’s recent military strikes against Iran.

He described these attacks as unprovoked acts of aggression and serious violations of international law, warning that global silence would undermine the entire UN legal framework.

“A Betrayal of Diplomacy”: Araghchi Highlights Timing of Israeli Attacks

Araghchi emphasized that Israel’s offensive on June 13 came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a scheduled meeting with the United States to negotiate a peaceful resolution over Iran’s nuclear program. He called the attacks a “betrayal” of diplomacy and an unprecedented blow to the foundations of international law and the United Nations system.

“We were attacked in the midst of a diplomatic process. We were supposed to meet with the Americans on June 15 to craft a very promising agreement,” Araghchi told the council, underscoring the deliberate disruption caused by Israel’s aggression.

Araghchi detailed how Israel’s strikes targeted off-duty military personnel, university professors, civilians, and critical infrastructure, including Iran’s nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision. He stressed that attacks on these facilities constitute grave war crimes with potentially catastrophic environmental consequences.

“Israel’s attacks on our nuclear facilities are absolutely banned under international law and pose a serious risk of radiological leakage,” Araghchi warned, echoing concerns raised by the IAEA.

The Arak Heavy Water Reactor—a facility under comprehensive IAEA safeguards and under construction in strict accordance with the technical specifications agreed upon in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to eliminate any proliferation risk—was bombed yesterday in… pic.twitter.com/Gqswk8sKym

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 20, 2025

Reaffirming Iran’s inherent right to defend its sovereignty under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Araghchi called on all UN member states to act decisively against Israel’s impunity. He insisted that any justification of Israel’s “unjust and criminal war” would amount to complicity.

“The world must act now to stop the aggressor, end impunity, and hold the criminals accountable for their unending atrocities,” he declared.

While strongly condemning Israel and criticizing U.S. support for the attacks, Araghchi expressed willingness to continue diplomatic talks with European powers, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, provided Israeli aggression ceases.

“Iran is prepared to return to the diplomatic path, but our defense capabilities are non-negotiable,” he affirmed after meetings with European counterparts in Geneva.

Araghchi’s speech serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to uphold international law and human rights in the face of imperialist aggression. His call to action resonates deeply with progressive and leftist governments worldwide, who view Israel’s actions as part of a broader pattern of colonial violence and destabilization in the Middle East.

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