Iran Warns U.S. of Strong Retaliation in Letter to UN Secretary-General

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to Iran’s diplomatic statement, the correspondence follows prior communications regarding ongoing threats from the United States to resort to force against the Islamic Republic. The letter cites multiple prior notes from December 30, 2025, and January 2, 9, 13, 22, and 28, 2026, expressing Iran’s concerns over continuous U.S. threats of military intervention.

The letter explicitly references recent remarks made by the President of the United States, who publicly suggested the potential use of Diego Garcia military base as a launch point for possible operations against Iran. Tehran described such statements as violations of the UN Charter and international law, warning that they risk plunging the region into a new cycle of crisis and instability.

In the letter, Iran emphasizes that it is not seeking war but is prepared to respond decisively if attacked. “We will not be the initiators of any conflict, but if Iran faces military aggression, it will respond firmly, and all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile forces in the region will be considered legitimate targets,” the letter states. The communication underlines that any consequences resulting from such military confrontations would fall directly upon the United States.

Iran’s representative further stressed that the recent U.S. threats cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric, given the fragile security situation in the region and the continuous deployment and movement of U.S. military assets. “Such belligerent statements by the President of the United States reflect a real danger of military aggression with potentially disastrous consequences for regional stability, peace, and international security,” the letter says.

The Iranian letter also highlighted the country’s ongoing engagement in constructive nuclear dialogue with the United States. It stressed that Iran has participated in these talks in good faith to address concerns regarding its peaceful nuclear program. Tehran reiterated its commitment to pursuing mutually acceptable, result-oriented solutions fully compliant with recognized international legal frameworks, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while ensuring that no state’s sovereign rights are violated.

Iran’s envoy emphasized that a sustainable and balanced solution remains possible if the United States approaches negotiations sincerely and demonstrates tangible respect for the UN Charter and binding international law. In this context, Iran has requested that the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council exercise their primary responsibility under the UN Charter to preserve international peace and security. Tehran urged immediate action to compel Washington to cease illegal threats of force, adhere to its obligations under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, and refrain from any measures that could escalate tensions or trigger military confrontation.

The letter underscores that any failure to respond to unlawful U.S. threats could set a dangerous precedent, potentially normalizing the use of force as an acceptable tool of foreign policy. Tehran warned that continued impunity could eventually endanger other independent states.

Reaffirming its stance, Iran declared that it is neither seeking tension nor war and will not initiate hostilities. However, the country will respond decisively, proportionally, and within the framework of its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter if subjected to military aggression. All military installations, facilities, and assets of hostile forces in the region would, in such a scenario, become legitimate targets of Iran’s defensive operations.

In conclusion, the letter places full responsibility for any unpredictable consequences squarely on the United States, emphasizing the serious risks of conflict for regional and global peace. Tehran called on the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General to act promptly, warning that delays in addressing the threat could have irreversible consequences.

This letter represents the latest in a series of tense diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the United States, highlighting growing international concern over the potential for escalation in the Middle East. It underscores Iran’s insistence on defending its sovereignty while engaging diplomatically to prevent further crises, even as it holds Washington accountable for provocative statements and actions.

The correspondence arrives amid ongoing discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, reflecting the persistent fragility of international security architecture and the critical role of the United Nations in conflict prevention.