Following increased pressure on Iranian diplomats at the United Nations by the US government, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday condemning the act.
The imposition of extensive restrictions on the residence and movement of Iranian diplomats and their bank accounts, and restrictions on daily purchases are among the pressures and harassments designed and implemented to obstruct the normal and lawful duties of Iranian diplomats.
The Foreign Ministry said that the US State Department’s decision to prevent three staff members of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New York from continuing their work is the peak of lawlessness and violation of host country commitments by the United States, further calling into question America’s eligibility to host this organization.
The statement also added that this decision, which is based on unfounded arguments and baseless claims, is not only another clear sign of hostility from US political decision-makers toward the Iranian nation but also constitutes a blatant violation of the principles and objectives of the UN Charter and an infringement on Iran’s sovereign rights.
While strongly condemning the US government’s action in preventing three members of Iran’s mission in New York from carrying out their legal duties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized that this measure is unlawful, constitutes a clear violation of US obligations under the Headquarters Agreement, and entails international responsibility for the United States.
The escalation of US abuses of its hosting position at the UN Secretariat to pressure member states is a direct violation of the Headquarters Agreement, particularly Section 8, disrupts the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization, and undermines the credibility and standing of the Secretary-General as the highest administrative authority of the UN, the statement read.
Recalling the responsibilities of the UN Secretary-General as the signatory of the Headquarters Agreement on behalf of member states, the Foreign Ministry called for his intervention to prevent the continuation of lawbreaking and infringement of Iran’s legal rights.
In the statement, the Islamic Republic of Iran also warned that if member states remain indifferent, the host country violations will become a routine, and stressed the necessity of a reaction from all responsible governments against US breaches of the agreement.
Iran will continue its efforts to uphold its sovereign rights and hold the United States accountable for its repeated and ongoing violations of its obligations under the Headquarters Agreement, the statement said.
