Iran UN complaint US threats filed as Tehran accuses Washington of breaching international law and escalating military tensions

Iran has formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing the United States of issuing direct military threats in violation of international law, the Iranian mission confirmed in New York on February 20, 2026.

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In a letter dated February 19, 2026, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani addressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Security Council President James Kariuki, alleging that public statements from U.S. President Donald Trump on February 18 suggested potential military action using bases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford.

Tehran described the remarks as a breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits threats or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Iranian officials expressed concern that the rhetoric, coupled with a regional build-up of American military assets, increases the risk of confrontation.

“The situation must not be viewed as mere political rhetoric,” the letter stated, warning that continued deployments and threats could destabilise the Middle East and endanger global peace.

Despite the allegations, Iran reiterated its commitment to diplomatic engagement. Iravani confirmed that Tehran remains actively participating in nuclear negotiations aimed at securing the removal of what it terms unlawful unilateral sanctions, while clarifying issues regarding its nuclear programme under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The letter requested that the Security Council urge the United States to halt what Iran calls unlawful threats, and be circulated as an official Council document.

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Tehran stressed it does not seek conflict but reserves the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, warning that U.S. military assets in the region could be considered legitimate targets if attacked.