Iran has called on nations worldwide to reject the United States’ imposition of unilateral sanctions, which it claims are an attempt to coerce sovereign states into aligning their economic interests and foreign policies with US demands. Gholamhossein Darzi, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, made these statements during a UN Security Council debate focused on global and local food crises. He urged the council to denounce unilateral coercive measures that aim to alter the lawful economic policies of sovereign nations.
Darzi linked food insecurity and disruptions in trade to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, asserting that military actions, sanctions, and attacks on civilian infrastructure are primary drivers of hunger and instability. He pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, noting that commercial navigation was uninterrupted until the conflict escalated, which he attributed to the US and Israel’s military actions, violating international law.
He further accused the US of imposing a maritime blockade and attacking Iranian commercial vessels in international waters. Darzi condemned the latest US economic measures against Iran, arguing they exploit food and essential goods as tools of economic pressure, undermining principles of sovereignty and navigation freedom. He warned that failing to challenge such actions could set a dangerous precedent for international relations.
Darzi emphasized Iran’s right to self-defense and its intention to pursue legal avenues for accountability regarding the conflict. He asserted that any future agreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz should be established by its neighboring states, particularly Iran and Oman, and called for an end to military actions, respect for Iran’s sovereignty, and the lifting of sanctions to restore regional stability.
