Iran says it won’t back down, calls on UN to stop aggression

The Iranian Ambassador to Kenya, Ali Gholampour, has declared that Iran will not back down in the face of military attacks launched by the United States and the Israeli regime.

Gholampour has called on the United Nations to intervene immediately to halt the aggression.

The Ambassador invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, asserting Iran’s “inherent and legitimate right to self-defence.”

He emphasised that the armed forces of Iran would employ all necessary capabilities to confront the attacks and repel further hostile actions. He held the United States and Israel fully responsible for the consequences of their aggression.

In a direct appeal to the international community, the envoy urged the United Nations Security Council to convene immediately and take binding action.

“If the aggression against Iran is not met with a firm response from the international community, it will mark the beginning of the end of all international institutions and the rule of law.

He stressed that the UN must act before its charter becomes “a worthless document,” he said.

Speaking to the media, the ambassador described the strikes as a “coordinated military aggression” that violated the territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He said the attacks targeted both defensive infrastructure and non-military facilities across several cities, including schools, hospitals, roads, and sports clubs, causing widespread casualties and damage.

“This is not merely an act of aggression; it is a flagrant violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations and a grave threat to international peace and security,” he said.

Ali Gholampour, Iranian ambassador to Kenya, during a press briefing on March 2, 2026./TIMON OTIENO 

The envoy warned that the aggressors believed that attacking Iran’s leadership would weaken the nation’s resolve but insisted they were mistaken.

“They thought that in removing the symbol of our resistance, they would cause the Iranian nation to falter. They were mistaken, as they have always been throughout our 40,000 years of history.”

Addressing the people of Iran, he said that although the Supreme Leader had fallen victim to the attacks, the country’s leadership and cause remain strong.

He described the conflict as a patriotic war imposed on Iran and pledged that the nation’s response would be firm, decisive, and reflective of its historical legacy.

The ambassador further called on other nations, including members of the non-aligned movement, regional governments, and all countries committed to international peace, to stand with Iran in opposing the aggression.

He warned that the consequences of inaction would not be limited to Iran alone.

“Today, it is Iran. Tomorrow, it could be any of you.”

He stressed that Iran’s engagement in diplomatic negotiations prior to the attacks had been genuine and undertaken in good faith, yet it was met with bombs and missiles.

“They speak of diplomacy while they plan murder. They extend a hand for negotiation while sharpening the knife with the other,” he said.

The ambassador made clear that Iran’s response is defensive, lawful, and resolute, urging the UN to fulfil its primary responsibility of maintaining peace and security while protecting the rights of sovereign nations.