Iran's ambassador to the United Nations underlines the Islamic Republic's "inherent right" to self-defense and taking due protective measures in the face of the US's hostile measures targeting the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Amir-Saeid Iravani made the remarks in a letter addressed to the UN secretary-general and the president of the world body's Security Council on Friday.

The envoy cited aggressive military actions carried out recently by American troops against two Iranian oil tankers near the port of Jask and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as attacks against several locations in Iran’s coastal areas overlooking the waterway.

"These aggressive and provocative acts, which the president of the United States has openly acknowledged, constitute a clear violation of the April 8, 2026 ceasefire and a blatant breach of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations," he noted.

Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on that day following 40 days of unprovoked aggression against Iran. He later ordered continuation of an illegal blockade of Iranian vessels and ports in violation of the ceasefire's terms.

'Catastrophic consequences'

The official cautioned that the consequences of continuation of such aggression could be "catastrophic," extending far beyond the region and undermining international peace and security, "for which the United States will bear full responsibility."

Iravani further expressed strong condemnation of the blockade, during which American forces have ventured repeated attacks against Iranian commercial vessels, resorted to their unlawful seizure, and taken those on board hostage.

"Such unlawful acts amount to piracy and violate the international law and the UN Charter," he asserted.

"Such conduct is wholly incompatible with the responsibilities of a permanent member of the Security Council that claims commitment to freedom of navigation. Rather than safeguarding maritime security, these actions undermine it and violate the fundamental principles of the international law."

'US favors coercion over diplomacy'

Such inclination towards aggression, the official stated, indicates that the United States prefers coercion over restraint, diplomacy, and dialogue, which are urgently and immediately needed.

Iran calls on the United Nations to explicitly and unequivocally condemn the unlawful actions, and urge the United States to abide by its obligations under the international law and refrain from any further provocative actions, Iravani concluded.

Press TV’s website