Iranian FM blasts unilateral coercive measures at UN General Assembly

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described unilateralism as a serious threat to global peace, security and development, calling for the global promotion of commitment to multilateral cooperation.

Araghchi made the statement in an address early on Wednesday to the High-Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative in New York on the sidelines of the 80th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He called the meeting both timely and necessary as deep structural inequalities continue to burden developing countries in the global economic, financial and trade systems.

Iran’s foreign minister underlined that global uncertainties and emerging gaps in political and economic systems make the initiative more necessary than ever, as it provides a platform for solidarity, cooperation and collective action toward a brighter future.

“Under these circumstances, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles of multilateral cooperation and reject unilateralism, which poses a grave threat to global peace, security and development,” Araghchi said.

The Global Development Initiative can play a prominent role in this regard, by advancing the aspirations of developing countries for a greater role in shaping the global economic order and by creating a favorable international environment for sustainable development, he added.

The top Iranian diplomat also censured the West for adopting “unilateral coercive measures” against developing countries at a time that the elimination of poverty and food insecurity is their greatest challenge.

“Eradicating poverty remains the greatest challenge for policymakers in many developing nations. Hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity are on the rise, and the risk of famine in vast parts of the world is serious,” Araghchi said.

“It is a matter of deep concern that some developed countries, instead of fulfilling their longstanding commitments, continue to impose unilateral coercive measures and protectionist policies against developing countries,” he added. “Such measures, which violate the fundamental rights of citizens in targeted states, in fact aim at undermining economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development.”

Stressing that Wednesday’s meeting provides a platform for greater solidarity and cooperation, the Iranian foreign minister said, “We attach great importance to the Global Development Initiative and will continue working to realize its goals.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the 80th UNGA later on Wednesday amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the looming reimposition of UN sanctions.

On September 19, the 15-member UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution that would have prevented the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran after the European troika — Germany, France and Britain — triggered the “snapback” mechanism, accusing Tehran of failing to comply with the nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran rejected the “illegitimate” move by the European troika, criticizing the European trio for siding with illegal sanctions instead of honoring their own commitments.

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