Iran Accuses U.S. of Threatening Military Force, Appeals to UN Security Council

 Iran Accuses U.S. of Threatening Military Force, Appeals to UN Security Council

February 20, 2026

Iran has formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing the United States of threatening military action and violating international law. In a letter dated February 19, 2026, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, addressed both UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the Security Council, James Kariuki, urging them to intervene.

The letter outlined what Iran described as “persistent and explicit threats” by the United States to use military force against Tehran. The complaint specifically referenced a social media post by the U.S. President on February 18, in which Washington allegedly suggested that, if Iran did not “make a deal,” military assets at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford could be employed in a potential strike.

According to the Iranian delegation, this statement constitutes a “flagrant violation” of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Tehran emphasized that the combination of such statements with the continued build-up and movement of U.S. military assets in the region increases the risk of direct confrontation.

“The rhetoric, coupled with ongoing military deployments, signals a real risk of military aggression. The consequences would be catastrophic for the Middle East and pose a grave threat to international peace and security,” Iravani wrote in the letter. The Iranian envoy quoted the U.S. President’s statement: “…Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack….”

Iran insisted that the volatile regional climate and ongoing military movements mean that such remarks should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric. The country reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic solutions and the principles of the UN Charter, asserting that it has engaged constructively and in good faith in nuclear negotiations with the United States.

Tehran highlighted that its diplomatic efforts aim to secure the full and verifiable lifting of what it describes as “unlawful and inhumane unilateral coercive measures” while addressing ambiguities surrounding its peaceful nuclear program. The negotiations are conducted within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which guarantees the rights of all states parties under the treaty to pursue peaceful nuclear activities.

Iran stressed that a balanced and durable agreement remains achievable if the United States approaches the negotiations seriously and respects international law. Tehran urged the Security Council to exercise its primary responsibility under the UN Charter for maintaining international peace and security. The letter called on the U.S. to immediately cease what Iran described as unlawful threats of force and comply with its international obligations.

“The Security Council and the Secretary-General must act without delay before it is too late,” the letter warned, cautioning against normalizing threats of force as instruments of foreign policy. Iran reiterated that it neither seeks tension nor war and would not initiate hostilities. However, it warned that any military aggression against its territory would be met with decisive and proportionate self-defense measures, citing its rights under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

“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 letter stated. It added that the United States would bear full responsibility for any unpredictable or uncontrollable consequences arising from its actions.

Finally, the Iranian mission requested that its communication be circulated as an official document of the UN Security Council, emphasizing the urgent need for the council to act and prevent the escalation of tensions in the region.

This development comes amid growing concerns about U.S.-Iran relations, particularly regarding the nuclear program and military presence in the Middle East. Analysts say the dispute highlights the delicate balance of power and the critical role of the UN in preventing escalation between major world powers.