Iran has formally petitioned the United Nations Security Council, accusing the United States of breaching international law by issuing direct threats of military action against Tehran.
In a letter dated 19 February 2026 and addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the Council’s President, James Kariuki, Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, alleged that Washington had violated the UN Charter through public statements suggesting the possible use of force.
Alleged Threat Over “Deal”
According to the letter, the complaint was triggered by a 18 February social media post attributed to US President Donald Trump.
The post reportedly indicated that if Iran refused to “make a deal,” Washington could consider deploying military facilities at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in connection with a potential strike.
Tehran described the remarks as a clear breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits threats or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Iranian officials argued that such rhetoric, coupled with what they described as an ongoing build-up of American military assets in the region, increases the risk of confrontation in an already volatile Middle East.
“The situation must not be viewed as mere political rhetoric,” the letter stated, warning that continued military deployments and public threats could destabilise the region and endanger global peace.
Tehran Reaffirms Diplomatic Track
Despite the sharp accusations, Iran reiterated its commitment to diplomacy.
Ambassador Iravani said Tehran remains engaged in nuclear negotiations in good faith, aiming to secure the removal of what it calls unlawful unilateral sanctions while clarifying issues surrounding its nuclear programme under the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
He added that a balanced agreement remains achievable if the United States conducts negotiations in line with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
Iran has urged the Security Council to exercise its mandate to maintain international peace and security by calling on Washington to cease what it described as unlawful threats.
The letter also requested formal circulation as an official Security Council document.
While insisting it does not seek conflict, Tehran warned it would invoke its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter if attacked. In that scenario, it said US military bases and assets in the region could be considered legitimate targets, holding Washington responsible for any escalation.
The development marks a fresh spike in diplomatic tensions between the two countries amid fragile negotiations and heightened regional uncertainty.
