Israel lashes out over Iran’s UN speech ahead of Geneva talks

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has strongly objected to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressing the UN Human Rights Council, just hours before key diplomatic talks with European leaders aimed at calming the Israel-Iran conflict.

In a letter seen by Reuters, Israeli envoy Daniel Meron criticised the council’s decision, writing: “Affording the Iranian foreign minister the floor before this body continues to undermine the council's credibility and constitutes a blatant betrayal of the many victims of this regime worldwide.”

Meron accused Tehran of using the platform to “promote the regime's despotic campaign,” calling the move a blow to the council’s integrity.

Despite Israel’s protest, the council confirmed Araghchi would speak, followed by talks with the EU’s foreign policy chief and officials from the UK, France, and Germany.

Earlier in the week, Iran’s UN ambassador described Israel’s military strikes as a “war against humanity”. Israel launched the attacks last Friday, saying it intended to block Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons - claims Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.