Iran has formally requested that the United Nations Security Council recognize the United States and Israel as aggressors in the recent 12-day war. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on the Council to hold both states accountable, including through reparations and compensation.
“We solemnly request that the Security Council recognise the Israeli regime and the United States as the initiators of the act of aggression and their subsequent responsibility therefor including compensation and reparation,” Araghchi said in the letter. The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and numerous civilians.
The US directly joined the conflict on June 21, carrying out its own strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, the conflict left at least 606 people dead and over 5,332 injured. In contrast, Israeli authorities reported 29 fatalities from Iranian missile and drone strikes.
Araghchi emphasized that the UN Security Council should hold the aggressors accountable and prevent the recurrence of such crimes. He also stressed that political and military leaders who order acts of aggression are individually liable for international crimes under customary international law.
Key Points of the Conflict
- Initiation of Conflict: Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites on June 13.
- US Involvement: The US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21, escalating the conflict.
- Casualties and Damage: Iran reported 606 deaths and 5,332 injuries, while Israel reported 29 fatalities from Iranian missile and drone strikes.
- Ceasefire: A US-sponsored ceasefire took effect on June 24, bringing an end to the 12-day conflict ¹ ².
Iran’s Demands
- Recognition of Aggression: Iran requests that the UN Security Council formally recognize the US and Israel as aggressors.
- Compensation and Reparations: Iran demands compensation and reparations for the damage inflicted during the conflict.
- Accountability: Iran calls for the UN to hold aggressors accountable and prevent the recurrence of such crimes.
The international community remains divided on the issue, with the US holding veto power in the UN Security Council. The situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges of achieving accountability for actions deemed aggressive .