Iran warns UN of 'decisive' response to US aggression, cites Trump threat

2026-02-20 - 02:52

Iran has formally warned the United Nations that it will respond "decisively and proportionately" to any military aggression, holding Washington "fully and directly responsible" for consequences, according to a letter from Iran's permanent mission to the UN obtained by Anadolu on Thursday. The communication was addressed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council presidency. Self-Defense Under Article 51 "Iran has repeatedly stated at the highest level that it neither seeks tension nor war and will not initiate any war," the letter states. "However, in the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations." The mission warned that "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets." Trump Threat Cited The letter specifically cites a Feb. 18 social media post by President Donald Trump described as "an explicit public threat of the use of force" against Iran, referencing potential use of military facilities in Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford base in England. Iran urged immediate UN action: "The Security Council and the Secretary-General must act without delay, before it is too late." Tehran described US threats as signaling "a real risk of military aggression, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security." Diplomatic Commitment Stressed Despite the warning, Iran's mission reaffirmed commitment to diplomacy, stating engagement "constructively, with seriousness and in good faith, in nuclear talks with the Government of the United States." The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions and reports of potential US military action.