Why it matters:
Iran believes that Trump’s direct threat of military action violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use or threat of force against sovereign states. Also, the letter follows joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in June 2025, which were illegal and a war crime.
Iran warns that such threats undermine regional and global security and challenge the integrity of the international non-proliferation regime.
The big picture:
Iran’s letter builds on its prior declarations that the U.S. and Israel conducted illegal military operations targeting civilian and nuclear infrastructure. Trump’s public admission of involvement adds weight to Iran’s legal argument.
Iran criticizes the U.S. for hypocrisy—being a nuclear power and a custodian of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), yet supporting Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons and is not a signatory to the NPT.
What he's saying:
Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s UN Ambassador:
"Trump's remarks were 'a clear threat of force' and “a continuation of unlawful conduct” by the U.S."
"Trump publicly acknowledged U.S. responsibility for the June attacks, which targeted civilians and peaceful nuclear facilities."
Iravani also says that these threats are not just rhetoric but signal a real intent to repeat aggression, creating international liability for the U.S.
“Iran will exercise this right firmly and proportionately if its sovereignty, territorial integrity, people, or vital national interests are exposed to further acts of aggression.”
Go deeper:
Iran’s Ambassador Slams U.S. Actions at the UN
Neda Sajjadi - ahmad shirzadian
