Iran Warned UN Of Retaliation Ahead Of US–Israeli Strikes, Vowed To Target Hostile Forces’ Bases, Assets –Document
Iran Warned UN Of Retaliation Ahead Of US–Israeli Strikes, Vowed To Target Hostile Forces’ Bases, Assets –Document
Iran characterized the threat as a “flagrant violation” of international law and the UN Charter, warning that such actions risk plunging the Middle East into “a new cycle of crisis and instability.”
The Islamic Republic of Iran formally notified the United Nations Security Council of its preparedness to retaliate against any act of military aggression just nine days before joint strikes by the United States and Israel, according to an official diplomatic letter dated February 19, 2026.
In the document, shared online by The Grayzone correspondent, Wyatt Reed, registered as S/2026/85 and addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, Iran cautioned that any attack on its territory would provoke a sweeping military response targeting U.S. assets across the region.
The letter, dated 19 February 2026 and signed by Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, accused Washington of escalating tensions through explicit threats of force and an ongoing military build-up.
Referencing a February 18 statement attributed to the U.S. President, Tehran alleged that Washington had openly discussed the potential use of military installations such as Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford as launch points for a possible attack.
Iran characterized the threat as a “flagrant violation” of international law and the UN Charter, warning that such actions risk plunging the Middle East into “a new cycle of crisis and instability.”
The communication invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, which enshrines the inherent right of self-defence, while also urging the Security Council to intervene and prevent what it described as unlawful threats by the United States.
Tehran further warned that any failure by the Security Council to act could normalize the use of force as an instrument of foreign policy, thereby setting a dangerous precedent for global security.
Iran has urged the UN Security Council to address continued threats by the U.S. to use force, citing recent statements by U.S. officials, including a declaration involving the Diego Garcia and Fairford airbases.
Tehran called the threats a violation of the UN Charter and international law, warning they could trigger a new cycle of regional instability.
“Given the volatile situation in the region and the persistent movement and build-up of military equipment and assets by the United States, such a belligerent statement by the President of the United States must not be treated as mere rhetoric; it signals a real risk of military aggression, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security,” the letter said.
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The letter also made reference to ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and Washington, noting that Tehran remained committed to diplomacy and a “mutually acceptable” resolution, provided that sanctions were lifted and its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty were respected.
Despite this stated commitment to dialogue, Iran made it clear that any military confrontation would carry “severe and far-reaching” consequences, placing responsibility squarely on the United States for any escalation.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran remains fully committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to diplomatic solutions,” Iran said.
According to Iran, it has engaged seriously and in good faith in nuclear talks with the U.S., seeking the full lifting of unilateral sanctions while addressing concerns about its peaceful nuclear program.
Tehran stresses that if the U.S. participates sincerely and respects international law, a durable and balanced solution is possible.
The country urged the UN Security Council to use its authority to ensure the U.S. ends threats of force, complies with its obligations under the UN Charter, and avoids actions that could escalate tensions or trigger a military conflict.
“The Security Council and the Secretary-General must act without delay, before it is too late. The Security Council must not allow threats of the use of force and acts of aggression to be normalized, legitimized or treated as an acceptable political norm, or to be used as instruments of foreign policy. Should such unlawful conduct be left unaddressed, another sovereign Member State’s turn will soon come,” it said.
It continued, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stated at the highest level that it seeks neither tension nor war and will not initiate any war.
“However, in the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
“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 United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences,” the letter added.
