Iran Denies Role in Growing Tensions in the Red Sea
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Tehran, Dec 31 (NationPress) Iran's representative to the United Nations (UN) has vehemently denied the allegations from the United States and Britain concerning Tehran's involvement in the increasing tensions in the Red Sea, according to a report from Iran's official news agency IRNA on Tuesday.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, expressed these views in communications addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the president of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for December. He described the accusations as 'groundless and politically-driven' claims originating from US and British representatives during a UNSC briefing.
During this briefing, US Deputy Representative to the UN, Dorothy Shea, alleged that Iran was 'fully financing' Yemen's Houthis and supplying them with 'lethal weaponry' for their attacks on Israel.
Similarly, Barbara Woodward, the British permanent representative to the UN, accused Iran of supporting the Yemeni armed forces in their ongoing operations targeting Israel.
Iravani condemned these accusations as 'unfounded', arguing they were designed to heighten tensions and provide justification for further instability in West Asia. He also criticized Israel as the originator of these 'groundless' claims, stating it was a 'clear attempt' to tarnish Iran's reputation while diverting attention from its own 'illegal actions' and 'destructive activities.'
The Iranian envoy asserted that it is Israel, not Iran, that has consistently pursued a policy of 'provocation' and has long posed a 'serious threat' to peace and security both regionally and globally, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He noted that Iran has continuously adhered to international law, the UN Charter, and UNSC resolutions.
Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been conducting frequent rocket and drone assaults against Israel and disrupting 'Israeli-linked' maritime operations in the Red Sea to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst their conflict with Israelis. In retaliation, Israel and the US-British naval coalition in the region have been executing sporadic strikes on Houthi positions to deter their activities.
