Iran's president: UN must play more effective role in international developments
Tehran - BORNA - Meeting on the sidelines of the SCO and SCO Plus summits in Kyrgyzstan, Pezeshkian said the biggest problem facing the world today is that the US does not adhere to international laws and regulations. He said the US attack on Iran — which killed Iran's leadership along with a number of officials and citizens, including students, and targeted the country's infrastructure — showed that even the most basic principles of humanity and international law were disregarded.
Criticizing what he called double standards in international affairs, Pezeshkian said that even as such actions take place, the US continues to speak of democracy and human rights, asking how the international community could possibly accept such claims.
Referring to the recent agreement to end the war and the need for all parties to honor their commitments, Pezeshkian said Iran does not want war under any circumstances and does not believe war serves anyone's interests. He said the continuation or expansion of the war is unacceptable to the international community, but that preventing further conflict requires the US to return to the agreement and honor its commitments.
Pezeshkian stressed that Iran will not accept the use of force or threats under any circumstances, saying the only way to end the current situation is through recognition of the Iranian people's rights, a return to the agreement, and implementation of commitments by the US.
Pointing to Iran's efforts to expand regional engagement and resolve issues through dialogue, Pezeshkian said Iran seeks to resolve issues and build stability and security through its engagement with regional countries, but that the US and Israel remain among the main obstacles to achieving that goal.
Turning to developments in Gaza and Lebanon, Pezeshkian described the atrocities committed against people in the region as deeply troubling and unacceptable, saying what is happening in Gaza and Lebanon amounts to horrific crimes that no awakened conscience could accept.
Pezeshkian said Iran expects international bodies and institutions to ensure that states and regimes are not allowed to commit aggression and atrocities around the world simply because they possess power and weapons.
Guterres, for his part, expressed pleasure at meeting with Pezeshkian, saying that throughout his tenure he has consistently pursued respect for the rule of law, the establishment of peace, and the reduction of conflict — an approach he said he maintained with regard to the recent war against Iran.
He said his statements and positions on the matter have consistently stressed the need for a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to end the conflict.
Referring to Israel's role in escalating the conflict, Guterres said he believes it was Israel that drew the US into the war with Iran, with no goal other than weakening and destroying Iran.
Guterres said he was the only UN secretary-general to condemn the attack on Iran at the Security Council, in front of the US representative — a position, he said, that came with significant consequences and pressure for him.
Referring to the recent agreement to end the war, Guterres said he welcomed the signing of the agreement, viewing it as an important political victory for Iran and a step toward ending the war, but said the agreement unfortunately later faced challenges.
Expressing hope for the swiftest possible end to the conflict, Guterres said he hopes the war ends as soon as possible.
Guterres described Pakistan's role as mediator as a genuine and important undertaking, expressing hope that through Iran's efforts and commitment, along with understanding and engagement with regional countries, the ground could be prepared for lasting peace, calm and security in the region.
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