Tehran slams US 'harassment' of Iranian diplomats to UN

Iran has condemned the United States for intensifying restrictions on the Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, stating that Washington’s abuse of its host-country position undermines the UN’s effectiveness and credibility.

In response to increased pressure on Iranian diplomats at the UN, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, criticizing a pattern of harassment designed to disrupt the normal and lawful functions of Iranian representatives.

“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 statement said.

According to the statement, the US decision to prevent three staff members of Iran’s UN Mission from continuing their work is “the culmination of the US's violation of the law and the host government's obligations.”

Iran condemned the move, stressing that it constitutes a wrongful and illegal act and a clear, blatant violation of the United States’ obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement, a breach that carries international responsibility for the US government.

Such actions, it said, raise serious questions about the United States’ suitability to host the UN Headquarters.

The ministry noted that the US measures—based on “false arguments and baseless claims”—  not only reflect political hostility toward the Iranian people but also constitute a blatant violation of the principles of the UN Charter and Iran’s 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,” it added.

The ministry further noted that the action “disrupts the effectiveness and efficiency of this organization, and also tarnishes the credibility and status of the Secretary-General as the highest administrative authority of this organization.”

Iran envoy urges UN chief to take action against US over restrictions on Iranian delegation

Iran says US restrictions on its diplomatic mission are "unlawful," urges the UN chief to take action.

The ministry urged the UN Secretary-General to intervene and prevent further violations of Iran’s legal rights.

It also warned against “the normalization of violations of the headquarters government's obligations in the event of indifference on the part of UN member states, and underlined the need for all responsible governments to respond to the US government's violation of its pledge.”

The statement affirmed that Iran will continue its efforts to defend its sovereign rights and hold the US accountable for its repeated violations under the Headquarters Agreement.

In September, Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to take “appropriate” action after the United States—host country of the UN Headquarters—imposed “illegal” restrictions on the high-ranking Iranian delegation attending the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Iravani condemned the US decision to confine 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, and to require prior requests with “appropriate justifications” for any travel outside the designated zone, saying the measures violated Washington’s treaty obligations as host country.

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