Iran sharply criticized the United States during an emergency UN Security Council meeting, accusing Washington of inciting unrest and exploiting peaceful protests, as Russia and China also rejected foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

Why it matters:

The discussion highlighted continued attempts by the United States to politicize the UN Security Council and interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, prompting Iran and several countries to reaffirm the principles of national sovereignty, non-intervention, and respect for international law.

What Iran is saying:

Iran’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, said Washington had encouraged unrest and described the U.S. request for the meeting as “shameful.”

He stated that peaceful protests driven by economic demands were hijacked by organized and terrorists armed groups and transformed into terrorist riots.

Darzi accused the United States of spreading disinformation to conceal its direct role in inciting violence and warned that using human rights rhetoric as a pretext for intervention violates international law and the UN Charter.

What Russia is saying:

Russia’s UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya condemned U.S. and European actions, calling the meeting a political spectacle aimed at advancing Washington’s interests.

He said recent events reflected renewed attempts at “color revolutions” and stressed that Iran supports peaceful protests while taking necessary steps to maintain stability and public order.

What China is saying:

China rejected any interference in Iran’s internal affairs, warning that such actions promote a “law of the jungle.”Beijing urged restraint, respect for national sovereignty, and adherence to the UN Charter, stressing that military pressure would only worsen regional tensions.

What others are saying:

Representatives from Bahrain and Liberia emphasized respect for Iran’s sovereignty, calling for dialogue and opposing actions that could further destabilize the region.

Key points:

  • Iran says peaceful protests were hijacked by armed and organized groups.
  • Tehran accuses the U.S. of inciting unrest and spreading false narratives.
  • Russia and China strongly oppose foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
  • Several countries called for restraint, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty.

Go deeper:

The meeting was held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the UN headquarters in New York, at the request of the United States.Iranian officials cited civilian and security casualties caused by armed rioters and warned that continued foreign interference could escalate tensions in an already fragile region.

 

- ahmad shirzadian