Araqchi Urges UN to Condemn US Economic Pressure on Iran

Iran’s Appeal to the UN

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has called on the United Nations and its member states to condemn US economic measures against Iran and reject Washington’s use of unilateral sanctions to pressure other countries.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Araqchi criticized Washington’s August 24, 2026 announcement of what it calls “Operation Economic Outcast,” describing it as the latest US action against Iran.

Criticism of “Operation Economic Outcast”

Araqchi argued that after failing to achieve its objectives through what he described as wars against Iran in 2025 and 2026, the United States is now attempting to pressure independent countries into changing their lawful economic relations with Tehran.

According to the Iranian foreign minister, Washington is seeking to use threats and economic pressure to discourage countries from maintaining legitimate trade and financial ties with Iran.

Opposition to Secondary Sanctions

Araqchi said the stated purpose of the operation is to disrupt legitimate economic relations with Iran through secondary sanctions and threats of exclusion from the US financial system.

He argued that such measures amount to an attempt to impose US laws and foreign-policy objectives on other countries and violate the principle of sovereign equality established in the UN Charter.

Warning About Humanitarian Consequences

The Iranian foreign minister warned that economic restrictions could affect civilians’ access to food, medicine, medical equipment, energy and other essential goods.

He argued that such measures could amount to collective punishment and negatively affect fundamental rights, including the rights to life, health, food and an adequate standard of living.

Call for Examination of Responsibility

Araqchi also called for an examination of what he described as the “criminal nature” of the US measures and the potential individual responsibility of those who order, direct, facilitate or knowingly implement them.

Reference to the International Court of Justice

Araqchi said the US campaign also conflicts with a 2018 order by the International Court of Justice, which required Washington to ensure the unhindered export to Iran of medicines, medical devices, food, agricultural commodities and goods and services necessary for civil aviation safety.

Request for Security Council Action

The Iranian foreign minister urged the UN Security Council and member states to condemn unilateral coercive measures and secondary sanctions intended to force independent countries to alter their lawful economic and trade relations with Iran.

He also called on countries to refuse to recognize or implement such measures and urged Washington to immediately end its threats and coercive actions.

Focus on Human Rights

Araqchi asked Guterres to assess and report on the humanitarian and human-rights consequences of the measures, particularly their impact on civilians’ access to food, medicine, healthcare, energy, transportation and humanitarian assistance.

He also called for relevant evidence to be independently assessed, documented and preserved.

Iran Reserves Right to Seek Compensation

Araqchi said Iran reserves the right to pursue all available legal avenues for accountability, compensation and redress.

He argued that the United States bears international responsibility for the consequences of its actions, including an obligation to provide full reparation for material and moral damage.

 Request to Circulate the Letter

The Iranian foreign minister concluded by asking that his letter be circulated as an official document of the UN Security Council.