Iran Reaffirms Support for Palestine, Calls for Ceasefire and Full UN Membership at High-Level UN Conference
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire during his address at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York from July 28 to 30.
In a comprehensive and strongly worded statement, Ambassador Iravani condemned the decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel and described the ongoing conflict as a result of failed appeasement policies and persistent disregard for international law. He asserted that true and lasting peace in the region could only be achieved through the full realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, an end to Israeli occupation and apartheid, and the recognition of Palestine as a full Member State of the United Nations.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly believes that any genuine initiative to realize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people must include an end to occupation, a just peace based on democratic principles, and full accountability for crimes committed,” Iravani said.
He criticized the role of the Israeli regime in destabilizing the region, citing ongoing violations of human rights in Gaza, the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, and attacks on Syrian, Lebanese, and even Iranian sovereign territories. He also condemned the United States for shielding Israel in the UN Security Council through repeated vetoes and unrestrained arms support.
Highlighting Iran’s peace proposal, Iravani reiterated Iran’s call for a nationwide referendum among all original inhabitants of Palestine—regardless of religion—to determine the future governance of the land. This proposal, he noted, is documented in the UN under S/2019/862 as a democratic path forward.
The ambassador laid out five core principles for any sustainable resolution:
- A just and lasting peace based on full self-determination, ending occupation, and rejecting colonialism.
- An immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with unrestricted humanitarian access and Gaza’s reconstruction.
- Rejection of all forced displacement schemes, including so-called “safe zones” or transfers to third countries.
- Palestine’s full UN membership, in accordance with Article 4 of the UN Charter, and rejection of political obstruction by individual member states.
- Accountability for Israel’s violations, including war crimes, genocide, and ethnic cleansing, through sanctions and possible suspension of its UN membership.
Iravani concluded by warning that any peace solution built on injustice, inequality, and apartheid would ultimately be unsustainable. He emphasized that normalization of relations with Israel, under current conditions, constitutes a betrayal of international law and the Palestinian cause.
Iran’s address comes amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and renewed international calls for a comprehensive and just resolution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
