Iran brands US Venezuela operation 'state terrorism' at UN

Iran has launched a fierce diplomatic assault on the United States at the United Nations, formally branding the recent military operation in Venezuela an act of "state terrorism." At an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Monday, Iran's Permanent Representative, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the action that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro as a "manifest violation" of international law that could unravel the post-war global security system.

A Broadside Against US Policy and International Law

Ambassador Iravani's statement delivered a sweeping critique of U.S. foreign policy, framing the Venezuela operation as symptomatic of a dangerous American doctrine. He argued that Washington seeks to "substitute domestic law for international law and the UN Charter," prescribing a "law of the jungle and the rule of force instead of rule of law." He warned that this approach threatens the entire international community and would render the UN's collective security architecture "ineffective," fostering a "dangerous climate of impunity."

Specific Condemnations and a Warning to the Security Council

The Iranian envoy leveled specific charges against the U.S. action, calling the capture of President Maduro and his wife a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic immunities accorded to heads of state. He asserted that the "military aggression" constitutes a "serious breach" of peace with "far-reaching consequences." Iravani also criticized what he termed the "continued inaction" of the Security Council itself, implying that the body's failure to act decisively against a permanent member emboldens such unilateral actions.

Linking the Venezuela Case to Broader US-Iran Tensions

In a pointed move, Tehran directly linked the Venezuela incident to its own long-standing tensions with Washington. Iravani noted that U.S. President Donald Trump has "repeatedly issued public threats of force against Iran," even while claiming to support the Iranian people. The envoy concluded with a clear warning, stating, "Iran reaffirms its inherent right to defend its society, territorial integrity and national security," and that the United States "will bear full responsibility for consequences arising from its unlawful threats."