Why it matters:
Iran’s letter, delivered by the country’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, emphasized the need for accountability from the U.S. and its officials, along with full compensation and reparations for the Iranian people, following President Trump’s admission of U.S. involvement in Israel's recent attack.
The letter raises serious questions about international law, U.S. accountability, and the rules governing military intervention. It also puts pressure on the UN Security Council to address allegations of state-sponsored aggression.
The big picture:
Iran’s letter argues that Trump’s remarks, acknowledging U.S. strategic command over Israeli assault against Iran between June 13 and June 24, 2025, provide undeniable proof of U.S. responsibility for an “illegal military aggression”.
The letter cites violations of UN Charter Article 2 (4) (the prohibition on the threat or use of force) and invokes Iran’s right to pursue legal and diplomatic remedies.
By formally requesting that the letter be registered as a UN document, Iran is seeking both a diplomatic record and a basis for future legal action.
What he's saying:
In the letter, Iran’s UN Permanent Representative writes:
"I draw your attention, and that of the members of the Security Council, to the recent remarks of the President of the United States … in which he publicly and explicitly acknowledged the leadership and responsibility of the United States for the 12-day campaign of military aggression by the Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
On November 6, 2025, Trump was quoted as saying, “Israel carried out the first strike. It was a very, very powerful attack, and I personally commanded it. … When Israel launched the first attack on Iran, it was a big day for Israel; that strike did more damage than all the other attacks put together.”
According to the letter, these admissions expose prior claims by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who earlier denied U.S. involvement, as "plainly false."
Key points:
- Trump is quoted as acknowledging personal command over the Israeli regime's attack on Iran.
- Iran says such remarks are incontrovertible evidence of U.S. direct involvement, leadership, and responsibility for an unlawful military aggression.
- Iran cites severe civilian casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and damage to peaceful nuclear facilities under safeguards as consequences of the attack.
- Iran reiterates its sovereign right to pursue full legal and international remedies, including compensation for victims.
- Iran asks the Security Council to formally register and distribute its letter as a UN document, effectively creating a public, legal record of the allegations.
Go deeper:
Iran Slams UN Silence, Warns of Rising Aggression
Iran's UN Ambassador Calls for Global Condemnation of Attacks on Nuclear Facilities
M.Majdi - Mahboubeh Habibi
