Iran calls on UN to condemn 'Israel threats', warns of retaliation
Iran calls on UN to condemn 'Israel threats', warns of retaliation
Iran has asked the UN to intercede on its behalf after allegations of Israeli escalation of hostilities.
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Iran is compelling the UN to condemn Israel's actions [Getty]
Iran has called on the United Nations to intervene in what it said was an increase in hostilities by Israel.
In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran's ambassador to UN Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Israel had increased "provocative and warmongering rhetoric" against Iran and it was actively planning operations against the Islamic republic.
The letter alleged that Iran's nuclear programme has prompted Israeli general Aviv Kochavi in January to "prepare a number of operational plans, in addition to those already in place".
Takht-Ravanchi said this constituted a threat and urged a "proportionate response by the global community" as it violated article two of the UN charter, which states that members must refrain from "threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state".
"We reserve the intrinsic right to defend ourselves and decisively respond against any threat or wrongful act by the Israeli regime," Takht-Ravanchi wrote, and urged Israel to take responsibility for its military escalations.
The UN, he added, must confront Israel’s "destabilising warmongering policies".
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Iran has recently stepped up its warnings against Israel.
A top Iranian general last month said Israel was waging a "psychological war" after the army said new "offensive options" were being drawn up in case they were needed against the republic.
Mahmoud Vaezi, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff, also vowed that his country was ready and willing to defend itself.
"We have no intention of going to war, but we are serious about defending the country," he said.
Israel, a close US ally, accuses Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb, a charge Tehran denies. Israel also frequently targets Iran-backed militant groups in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.
Israel's military chief General Aviv Kochavi said on Tuesday he had ordered new plans be drawn up this year to counter Iran's nuclear capabilities, in case political leaders decided to target the country.
"The power to initiate them lies with the political echelon," Kochavi stressed.
"However, the offensive options need to be prepared, ready and on the table."
Iran's Vaezi shot back on Wednesday by reiterating "[the Israelis] are conducting a psychological war".
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