Iran Warns against Attacks on Diplomatic Sites amid Syria Chaos

In a letter for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and President of the UN Security Council Linda Thomas-Greenfield on December 9, Saeed Iravani expressed Iran’s concern about attacks on diplomatic sites in Syria.

What follows is the text of his letter:

Excellency,

Upon instructions from my Government, I am writing to convey the Islamic Republic of Iran’s grave concern and strong condemnation of the attacks on its diplomatic and consular premises in Syria. On 8 December 2024, amid the escalation of armed groups in Damascus, militants forcibly stormed and assaulted Iran's embassy, resulting in severe damage, vandalism, theft of archives and documents, and destruction of windows, doors, and furniture. The initial footage circulated online also indicates that gunfire may have been directed at the embassy. Similarly, on 29 November 2024, armed groups targeted the Iranian Consulate in Aleppo with short-range shells, endangering consular staff. Following the evacuation of the mission due to life-threatening attacks, the consulate was invaded and damaged.

These actions are blatant violations of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), which guarantee the inviolability of diplomatic missions and the safety of their personnel.

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and representatives must be upheld at all times in accordance with international law. No individual, group, or state has the right to commit or facilitate such violations. The Islamic Republic of Iran urges the United Nations Secretary-General and the Security Council to condemn these egregious violations unequivocally and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and premises and prevent the recurrence of such attacks.

I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.