Iran condemns US restrictions on its UN mission as illegal

• Iran denounces new US measures restricting its UN diplomats in New York.
• Tehran calls actions a violation of the UN Headquarters Agreement and international law.
• Iran urges UN Secretary-General to intervene and protect its sovereign rights.

Iran condemned the United States on Thursday for imposing increased restrictions on its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Washington’s actions “undermine the UN’s effectiveness and credibility” and constitute a “blatant violation” of the country’s obligations as host of the UN Headquarters.

“The imposition of extensive restrictions on the residence and movement of Iranian diplomats, tightening restrictions on bank accounts, and imposing restrictions on daily purchases are among the pressures and harassment designed and implemented with the aim of disrupting the normal and legal performance of Iranian diplomats' duties,” the ministry said.

- Violation of international obligations -

The statement highlighted that the US decision to prevent three staff members of Iran’s UN Mission from continuing their work represents “the culmination of the US's violation of the law and the host government's obligations.” Iran described the measures as illegal, politically motivated, and a breach of the UN Charter and its sovereign rights.

“The escalation of the US government's abuse of the position of hosting the UN Secretariat to exert pressure on member states is a clear violation of the provisions of the Headquarters Agreement, especially Section 8,” the ministry added.

- Call for UN intervention -

Iran urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to take action to prevent further violations of its legal rights. It warned that indifference by member states could normalize breaches of host-country obligations and stressed the need for the international community to respond.

In September, Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned US measures during the 80th General Assembly, which restricted the movements of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and other delegation members to an area of less than half a mile around UN Headquarters, requiring prior approval for any travel outside the zone. Iravani called the measures “illegal” and in breach of Washington’s treaty obligations.

- Iran vows to defend its rights -

The ministry concluded by affirming Iran will continue to defend its sovereign rights and hold the United States accountable for repeated violations of the Headquarters Agreement.