Speaking Wednesday at a UN Security Council session on Syria, Amir Saeid Iravani said, “Iran reaffirms its strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, based on the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.”
The ambassador also reiterated that Tehran is committed to supporting the Syrian people in their efforts to achieve peace, security, reconstruction, and national reconciliation.
The full text of the ambassador's speech is as follows:
Thank you, Mr. President.
First, allow me to extend our congratulations to Sierra Leone on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We also express our appreciation to the Russian Federation for the effective and successful Presidency of the Council during the month of October.
We thank Deputy Special Envoy Ms. Najat Rochdi and Director of Financing and Outreach Division, OCHA, Ms. Lisa Doughten, for their informative briefings.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its continued support for the United Nations’ constructive engagement with the Syrian authorities, aimed at alleviating the humanitarian situation and advancing stability and recovery throughout the Syrian Arab Republic.
On the situation in Syria, I wish to make the following points:
First, Iran reaffirms its strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, based on the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter; we firmly believe that Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity must be fully respected. Any attempt to impose external agendas—including schemes for fragmentation, forced demographic change, or the establishment of illegitimate autonomous zones—is categorically unacceptable and must be firmly rejected.
Second, on the security situation, the environment remains fragile. While insecurity persists in several parts of the country, we are deeply concerned that terrorist groups—including Da’esh and affiliated foreign terrorist fighters—continue to exploit the current instability. Their activities pose a direct and serious threat to regional and international peace and security. All forms of foreign occupation, which are a primary source of insecurity and destabilization, must come to an end, and the Syrian authorities must continue to fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations.
Equally alarming are the escalating, destabilizing, and openly aggressive actions of the Israeli regime in Syria. This occupying regime continues to carry out repeated, expanded, and coordinated airstrikes across Syrian territory, killing civilians, destroying vital infrastructure, and dangerously heightening regional tensions. Israel’s attempts to entrench its occupation, expand its control, and impose its laws and administration on southern Syria and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights are illegal, null and void, and without any international legal effect. These actions constitute flagrant violations of international law, the UN Charter, the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and all relevant Security Council resolutions. The Security Council must not remain silent in the face of such systematic and unlawful aggression.
Third, on the humanitarian situation, we commend OCHA, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners for their tireless work under increasingly dangerous conditions. Yet the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Deepening economic hardship and acute funding shortages have pushed millions closer to destitution—including 1.9 million IDPs (internally displaced persons) and 1.2 million returning refugees now at acute risk. Full, safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access, in strict accordance with humanitarian principles, remains essential. Syria also faces profound structural challenges: soaring inflation, shattered infrastructure, broken supply chains, energy shortages, and worsening droughts. These hardships are the direct result of years of unilateral sanctions—measures that are illegal, illegitimate, and contrary to the UN Charter. Suspending these unlawful measures is not enough. They must be fully and unconditionally lifted to enable Syria’s economic recovery, restore livelihoods, and support the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and IDPs. We emphasize that these illegal measures must never be used as tools of political pressure or interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
Fourth, on political process, we reaffirm that the only sustainable path for Syria lies in a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned inclusive political process, facilitated by the United Nations and firmly grounded in the core principles of Security Council resolution 2254. This process must safeguard the legitimate rights and aspirations of all Syrians—including minorities—while upholding Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and national institutions. We emphasize that the rights of all communities must be fully respected in accordance with international law, and all forms of political pressures and harassment aimed at displacing minorities in Syria, particularly Alawites and Shiites, must cease. We take note of the recent parliamentary elections. Yet, such a step must form part of a broader, genuinely inclusive political process that ensures representation, legitimacy, and the full participation of all Syrians.
And finally, Mr. President, Iran will continue to support the Syrian people in their efforts to restore peace, security, reconstruction, and national reconciliation. In the same spirit, Iran supports the reconstruction of Syria’s infrastructure and the revival of its economy and stands ready to assist in reaching this goal and completing its ongoing economic projects in the country, provided the appropriate conditions are met.
I thank you, Mr. President.