Daijiworld Media Network - United Nations

United Nations, Feb 20: Iran has vowed to respond “decisively and proportionately” to any military aggression, asserting its right to self-defence under the UN Charter, according to a letter from its UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council President.

Citing recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding the strategic Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, Iravani wrote: “In such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran’s defensive response. The United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”

Trump had called Britain’s lease of Diego Garcia “a big mistake,” suggesting that the US might need to use the base if nuclear talks with Iran fail. Under a May 2025 agreement, Britain is transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia for 99 years at £101 million ($136 million) annually, according to Xinhua.

The Iranian letter emphasized that the situation in the region is highly volatile and that the US military build-up makes such statements a real risk rather than mere rhetoric. It urged the Security Council and Secretary-General to act swiftly to prevent normalization of threats or acts of aggression.

At the same time, Iran reaffirmed its commitment to reaching a “mutually acceptable, results-oriented solution” in nuclear negotiations. “If the United States approaches these talks with seriousness and genuine respect for the UN Charter and international law, a durable and balanced solution would be entirely possible,” the letter said.