In a blistering speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi lashed out at Israel, accusing it of launching an “unprovoked and unjustified” military assault on Iranian soil.

He warned that the attack was a direct blow not just to Iran but to the very core of international law.

Speaking in Geneva, Araqchi painted a harrowing picture of the Israeli strike, which began in the early hours of Friday, June 13. According to him, dozens of Iranians — including civilians, off-duty military personnel, and university professors — were killed or wounded in what he described as “a mix of unlawful and criminal operations.”

Araqchi claimed that residential areas, hospitals, public infrastructure, and even Iran’s nuclear facilities were deliberately targeted. “This is an unjust war imposed on my people,” he said, calling the airstrikes a “grave war crime” with the potential to trigger both environmental and radiological disaster.

Diplomacy interrupted: "We were attacked mid-talks"

Perhaps the most alarming part of Araqchi’s address was his revelation that the attack occurred just days before planned talks with the United States. “On June 15, we were scheduled to finalize a promising agreement on our peaceful nuclear program. This was a betrayal of diplomacy,” he stated, emphasizing that Israel’s actions sabotaged ongoing peace efforts.

Citing Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, Araqchi argued that Israel’s use of force was a blatant violation of international law. “This was not just an attack on Iran — it was an attack on the very foundation of the international law system,” he warned.

No US talks until attacks stop

Araqchi made it clear that Iran would not engage in any further discussions with the United States unless Israeli military actions cease immediately. “The United States is a party to this aggression,” he told reporters. “We cannot negotiate peace with a partner complicit in war.”

However, he confirmed that talks with European nations — including Britain, France, and Germany — would continue in Geneva.

Iran’s missile program “not up for debate”

Reiterating Iran’s position, Araqchi stated unequivocally that the ongoing negotiations would focus solely on the nuclear issue. “Our missile program is off the table,” he declared. “Our defensive capabilities are not open for discussion.”

In a deeply personal moment, Araqchi reminded the council of his past as a war veteran during Saddam Hussein’s aggression. “I have dedicated my life to diplomacy. But I also know how to defend my homeland,” he said.

Israel responds with strong objection

Israel’s envoy to the UN in Geneva, Daniel Meron, voiced strong objection to Araqchi’s appearance before the council. In a letter addressed to Council President Jurg Lauber, Meron called Iran’s platform at the UN a “blatant betrayal of victims” and accused Tehran of using the council to spread its “despotic campaign.”

Just days earlier, Iran’s UN ambassador had already accused Israel of committing an act of “war against humanity.”

The escalating conflict began when Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, claiming it was acting to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran retaliated with a wave of missile and drone strikes, asserting that its nuclear program remains peaceful.

As tensions rise, many countries are now watching closely to see whether this volatile situation can be resolved diplomatically — or if it marks the beginning of a deeper regional conflict.