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Source: Anadolu Agency
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 — Iran has warned it will respond “decisively and proportionately” to any military aggression, stressing that the United States would bear “full and direct responsibility” for the consequences, according to a letter from Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations.
In the communication addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the presidency of the Security Council, Iran said it neither seeks escalation nor war and has no intention of initiating conflict. However, it emphasized that any attack on its territory or interests would trigger a lawful response under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of self-defense.
The mission cautioned that, in such a scenario, all bases, facilities and assets of the hostile force in the region would be considered legitimate targets within the scope of Iran’s defensive action. It warned Washington would be fully accountable for any resulting escalation or “unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”
The letter also referenced a Feb. 18 social media post by US President Donald Trump, describing it as an explicit threat of force against Iran. It mentioned the possible use of military facilities in Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom.
Calling for urgent intervention, Iran urged the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General to act “without delay” to prevent further deterioration. It said recent US rhetoric signals a real risk of military confrontation that could have catastrophic regional implications and pose a grave threat to international peace and security.
Reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy, Iran’s UN mission stressed adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and said Tehran remains engaged “constructively, seriously and in good faith” in nuclear-related discussions with the United States.