Why it matters:
The letter is being written at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has created tension in the Persian Gulf region with his belligerent statements.
The big picture:
The letter, sent on Thursday to Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council, cites a social media post by former President Trump on February 18.
Tehran argues that the Trump administration's rhetoric has shifted from diplomatic pressure to a "real risk of military aggression," demanding the U.N. intervene "before it is too late."
Trump stated that if Iran does not agree to a deal, "it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack."
What they're saying:
"Such a belligerent statement... must not be treated as mere rhetoric," wrote Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani.
"It signals a real risk of military aggression, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security."
Iran frames the threat as a test of the Security Council's credibility.
The letter urges the Council to use its authority to ensure the U.S. "immediately ceases its unlawful threats" and complies with the UN Charter.
"Should such unlawful conduct be left unaddressed, another sovereign Member State’s turn will soon come," the mission warned.
Iran insists it remains committed to diplomacy and has engaged in "good faith" nuclear talks with the U.S.
Tehran states that a "durable and balanced solution" is possible if Washington approaches negotiations with "seriousness and sincerity."
Key points:
- Iran formally warns the U.N. Security Council about "continued threats" from U.S. officials to use force, calling them a "flagrant violation" of the U.N. Charter.
- Cites a recent social media post by the U.S. President (18 Feb 2026) threatening to use the Diego Garcia base and Fairford airfield to "eradicate a potential attack" if no deal is reached.
- Iran argues that given the U.S. military build-up in the region, these are not "mere rhetoric" but signal a real risk of war that would be "catastrophic" for regional peace.
- Reaffirms its commitment to diplomacy and "good faith" nuclear talks, but demands the "full and verifiable lifting" of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs).
- Demands the Security Council use its authority to force the U.S. to cease threats and comply with international law (Article 2(4)), warning that inaction sets a dangerous precedent for all nations.
- While stating it "neither seeks nor initiates war," Iran vows a "decisive and proportionate" response under Article 51 if attacked, declaring that all hostile bases and assets in the region would be "legitimate targets."
The bottom line:
While reiterating it "neither seeks tension nor war," Iran issued a stark warning to Washington.
In the event of an attack, Tehran vowed to respond "decisively and proportionately" under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, stating that "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets."
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