UNGA: Iran warns Europe over USA use of military bases against Tehran
*As Araghchi pushes US to provide security him in New York
The Iranian foreign minister also stressed that European states, particularly those that present themselves as defenders of international law and human rights, should fulfil their international legal obligations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned European countries that allow the United States to use their military bases or facilities for operations against Iran that they could bear international responsibility for such actions.
Araghchi issued the warning during diplomatic meetings with European counterparts on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York, as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high.
In a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Araghchi specifically criticised the presence of US military bases in European countries and cooperation that could facilitate military operations against Iran.
He described such cooperation as “very dangerous” and said that allowing national territory or facilities to be used in preparing for or carrying out attacks against Iran could amount to complicity in aggression and entail international responsibility for the countries involved.
The Iranian foreign minister also stressed that European states, particularly those that present themselves as defenders of international law and human rights, should fulfil their international legal obligations.
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi has raised similar concerns in discussions with other European officials during his UNGA visit, warning against allowing national territory or facilities to be used for actions directed against Iran.
Iran has previously communicated a similar legal position to the United Nations, arguing that states which knowingly provide territory, military facilities or other assistance used in attacks against Iran could incur international responsibility. In a March 2026 letter to the UN Security Council, Tehran specifically cited the use of territory and facilities by third countries in the conflict.
Araghchi’s latest warning comes as he leads Iran’s diplomatic engagement at the UN General Assembly, where Tehran is seeking to present its position on the conflict and challenge foreign military support for operations against Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have continued calling on European governments to uphold the UN Charter and international law, while European governments have been engaged in diplomatic efforts concerning the wider conflict and regional security.
US provide security for Araghchi in New York
In the meantime, the United States upon demand by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has provided a security detail for him, during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in a development highlighting the unusual diplomatic circumstances surrounding the trip.
Araghchi reportedly told the US State Department to provide him his security details following an assessment of threats against him, saying nothing must happen to him on the American soil. The demand was approved and subsequently granted.
The U.S. Diplomatic Security Service is providing protection for the Iranian foreign minister during his stay in New York, according to reports.
The arrangement comes despite decades of strained relations between Washington and Tehran. The two countries have had no formal diplomatic relations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Araghchi is in New York to lead Iran’s diplomatic engagement at the UN General Assembly, where Iranian and American officials are participating in the same international gathering amid continuing tensions between their governments.
The security arrangement underscores the complex responsibilities faced by the United States as host country to the UN headquarters, including providing security for visiting foreign dignitaries regardless of diplomatic relations.
