Iran rejects US-UK ‘baseless claims’ on Red Sea tensions
Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani harshly reacted to the latest rhetoric by the United States and Britain at a UN Security Council meeting, saying the accusations of Iran’s involvement in tensions in the Red Sea are “baseless claims” designed to escalate chaos and create an excuse for further instability in the region by the US and its allies.
Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, the envoy said that Iran once again emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of international maritime lanes and said, “The baseless accusations made by the Zionist representative, which is supported by its closest ally, the United States, are a clear attempt to shift responsibility from their illegal actions and destructive activities against Iran,” according to IRNA.
In separate letters to the UN secretary-general and the president of the Security Council on Monday, Iravani said, “It is the hostile Zionist regime, not Iran, which has always pursued a policy of provocation and destabilizing activities and is considered a serious threat to peace and security in the region and beyond.”
He emphasized that Iran as a responsible UN member has always adhered to its obligations under international law and the UN Charter and has not been involved in any activity inconsistent with the relevant Security Council resolutions.
“Therefore, Iran categorically denies any violation of arms embargoes or any involvement in fueling the conflict in Yemen or elsewhere,” he stated.
The ambassador described it as both deeply troubling and highly ironic that the US and Britain, instead of upholding their responsibilities as permanent members of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, persist in providing political cover and military support for Israel’s reckless actions and violations while fabricating baseless accusations against Iran.
“This blatant complicity has emboldened Israel to act with impunity, fueling regional conflicts and undermining any prospects for lasting peace in Yemen under UN leadership,” he noted.
Iravani emphasized that Iran’s position on Yemen has been consistent and unwavering. From the very onset of the crisis in 2015, Tehran has supported a political resolution to the conflict and called for a comprehensive ceasefire, inclusive dialogue, and a peaceful process that respects the Arab nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Since the beginning of Israel’s onslaught on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Yemen has been targeting Israeli-owned and -bound shipping in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.