Iran’s FM: Violations of international law must not go unpunished

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned that violations of international law and national sovereignty cannot be tolerated, emphasising that such actions have far-reaching consequences for global stability.

The remarks were made by the Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei at a press conference, as reported by Caliber.Az.

Baghaei condemned attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States last year, calling them a serious breach of international norms. “Last year, we witnessed a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty by Israel and the United States, including attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities. These acts dealt a serious blow to the non-proliferation regime, violating Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite all the hardships the world endured in 2025, we extend our New Year greetings to all people and hope that the coming year will be a year of ending impunity and a year of advancing peace,” he said.

On the recent kidnapping of the President of Venezuela, Baghaei stressed that repeated violations of international law must not become normalised. “Repeated and systematic violations of international law should not imply that these norms cease to exist, because without these principles and rules, the world would descend into a jungle. Force in the morning may create only a world governed by the law of the jungle. All countries have condemned this action. No country committed to the rule of law can remain indifferent. The precedent set will have consequences for the entire international community. The principle of violating national sovereignty and territorial integrity contradicts all the norms for which human civilization has paid a high price. What we now have as the UN Charter and modern international law is the result of human experience after the Second World War. Those responsible for this crime must be held accountable.”

Regarding the withdrawal of the U.S. base at Ain al-Asad, he stated: “The senior authorities of Iraq have previously provided full clarifications on the presence of the United States in Iraq and at Ain al-Asad base, emphasizing that this presence occurs within the framework of international agreements between Iraq and foreign countries. Therefore, there is no need for further explanations from our ministry.”

Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statements claiming he “stands in solidarity with the Iranian people,” Baghaei said: “The Iranian people have already responded to these statements in the media. We have personally experienced the ‘concern’ of this regime during the period of military invasion. The killing of our prominent nuclear scientists and other criminal acts committed by this regime with the involvement of some international partners over many years against the people of Iran cannot be obscured by deceptive statements, and the Iranian people will not forget this.”

He added: “The Israeli regime always seeks opportunities to sow discord and undermine Iran’s national unity. Our citizens must remain vigilant against such intrigues.”

The MFA spokesperson further emphasized: “The actions and statements of the Israeli Prime Minister and certain radical U.S. officials regarding Iran’s internal affairs are internationally regarded as incitement to violence, terrorism, and murder. Thank God, the people of Iran, regional countries, and the international community clearly see their true nature and will not be deceived.”

On media reports of Russian President Vladimir Putin mediating between Iran and Israel, Baghaei said: “Regardless of media discussions, Iran and its armed forces always prioritize national interests. We do not trust Israel’s statements, as their deception has been proven to us. Our main focus is on strengthening readiness and protecting national interests.”

Regarding U.S. statements about a potential attack on Iran, he noted: “Psychological warfare and media pressure from these countries are part of their strategy to exert pressure on Iran, which is not new. The main priority for us is to remain extremely vigilant. Our armed forces will not allow any negligence in protecting Iran’s territory and sovereignty.”

He added: “Iran and its armed forces monitor the borders with open eyes. We do not rely on Israel’s statements, as their deception has been proven. Our priority is to strengthen readiness and maintain vigilance to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Responding to U.S. accusations regarding the President of Venezuela, he said: “The laws of one country cannot justify violations of another country’s immunity and sovereignty. U.S. statements are merely a cover for unlawful actions.”

On Venezuela and related legal issues, Baghaei said: “This is not only a matter concerning Venezuela, but also the responsibility of all UN member states to respond to violations of fundamental principles of international law, especially sovereignty and territorial integrity. The recent case in Greenland was also reviewed. Violations of international law without decisive reaction encourage repetition of such acts.”

He stressed: “Iran’s support for Venezuela is not linked to specific individuals but is based on principles of international law and absolute sovereignty of countries. The kidnapping of a country’s president is illegal and unjustified, and has no place in the international system. We demand the immediate release of Venezuela’s president. Unfortunately, the lack of decisive action by the international community, especially the UN, puts all countries at risk.”

On comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, Baghaei said: “If violations of international law become a common practice, they guarantee security for no country. Iran maintains a principled stance on respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. Unlike some European countries with selective approaches, we have a consistent and unified position. Any violation of a country’s sovereignty is condemned.”

Regarding Lebanon, he stated: “Iran’s relations with Lebanon are longstanding, deep, and friendly. The new Lebanese ambassador has met with our Foreign Minister and commenced his mission in Tehran. The accreditation process for Iran’s new ambassador has been completed, and he will be dispatched to Beirut in the coming weeks. Bilateral consultations continue regularly.”

Criticizing Europe’s silence on international law violations, Baghaei added: “European countries that dare to confront violations of international norms are true historians, learning from bitter experience. Unfortunately, only some European countries recognize the seriousness of the consequences.”

On documenting foreign interference in Iran’s domestic affairs, including reports of recruitment and funding of Iranian teenagers for protests through Germany, he said: “We are documenting all evidence of interference, including incitement to violence, and will make it public if necessary. Iran takes the protection of sovereignty and national security very seriously and will respond decisively to any encroachments.”

Regarding clashes between Turkish police and ISIS militants, Baghaei noted: “Certainly, we are closely monitoring the increasing activity of terrorist organisations, including ISIS. This threat persists and requires coordinated action. Regarding cooperation with Turkey, there is systematic interaction between Iran and Turkey in combating terrorism. We maintain continuous information exchange and coordination to prevent security threats in the region and combat terrorist structures.”

On Yemen, he said: “Preserving Yemen’s territorial integrity is important for everyone. Enemies of regional stability seek to create instability and divide Islamic countries. We hope recent developments will lead to Yemeni negotiations and strengthen stability.”

On economic demands with Syria and Iran’s diplomatic readiness, he added: “It is not necessary to comment on every political statement. Economic relations have their own laws and are not dependent on changes in leadership. Iran’s requirements remain. Even in case of a country’s dissolution, economic obligations transfer to the successor.”

On reducing threats to Iran, Baghaei concluded: “Diplomacy will not be caught off guard. We are ready to observe events and engage with other countries to protect national interests and counter threats to international peace.”

By Khagan Isayev