January 2024

The letter presented by the Islamic Republic of Iran Mission to the United Nations

Addressing the UN Secretary General regarding anti - terror operation in Iraq and Syria

Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani has written letters to Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General and the Ambassador of France who holds the rotating chairmanship of the Security Council, describing Iran’s intentions behind missile strikes on terrorists and their bases.

The full text of the letter from the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations is as follows:

Excellency,

Upon instructions from my Government, and further to our letter dated 3 January 2024 (S/2024/14), I wish to inform you that the Islamic Republic of Iran, as one of the main victims of terrorism, has, in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defense under international law and the Charter of the United Nations, undertaken anti-terrorist operations. These operations include targeted attacks against the bases and facilities of terrorist groups situated in Syria and Iraq. In this regard, I would like to emphasize the following:

1) In the early hours of 16 January 2024, the simultaneous anti-terrorism operations were carried out by the firing of several ballistic missiles, precisely targeting facilities of Daesh and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, two designated terrorist organizations, in Idlib and the region under occupation of the terrorist group in the northeast of the Syrian Arab Republic. Additionally, an intelligence unit used by anti-Iranian terrorist groups associated with the Israeli regime in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, was targeted. The facility has served as a base for intelligence and sabotage operations in Iran.

2) Iran’s anti-terrorism operations undertaken in response to the recent heartbreaking terrorist attacks in Kerman, Iran on 3 January 2024 resulted in the martyrdom of over 100 innocent civilians, including children and women, with many others sustaining injuries (S/2024/14). The Daesh-affiliated groups claimed responsibility. Fortunately, the reprehensible attacks in Kerman received strong and unanimous condemnation by the members of the UN Security Council.

3) The operations were necessary and proportionate, precisely targeting bases of terrorist groups and fully respecting Iran's international obligations, especially international humanitarian law.

4) The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates, once again, its unwavering commitment to fully respect the national sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. As a responsible member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its adherence to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, Iran reiterates its inherent rights, as recognized by international law, to safeguard its sovereignty, national security, and its citizens against any threats or attacks. This commitment reflects Iran's resolve to protect its interests and maintain peace and security within its borders.

I would be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.

****************