Iran has formally petitioned the UN Security Council, accusing the United States of issuing explicit threats of military force in violation of international law.
In a letter dated February 19, 2026, addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the Security Council, James Kariuki, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, alleged that Washington breached Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
According to Tehran, the issue stems from a February 18 social media post by the U.S. President suggesting that if Iran failed to “make a deal,” the United States might consider using the military base at Diego Garcia and an airfield at RAF Fairford in connection with a potential strike.
Iran described the statement as a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter and warned that, combined with what it called a continued buildup of U.S. military assets in the region, the rhetoric signals a real risk of military aggression with potentially catastrophic consequences for the Middle East.
Tehran said it remains committed to diplomacy and is engaging in nuclear negotiations within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It argued that discussions are aimed at securing the lifting of what it called unlawful unilateral sanctions while addressing questions about its nuclear programme.
The letter urged the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security by ensuring that the United States ceases what Iran termed unlawful threats of force and complies with its obligations under the UN Charter.
While stating that it does not seek war or escalation, Iran warned that if subjected to military aggression, it would respond “decisively and proportionately” under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of self-defence. It added that, in such a scenario, U.S. bases and assets in the region could become legitimate targets in the context of a defensive response.
The Iranian mission requested that the letter be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.