Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia to the United Nations at UN Security Council Briefing on Situation in the Middle East (Iran)
New York, 15 January 2026
Mr. President,
Let me thank Assistant Secretary-General Pobee for today’s briefing And I thank Ms Alinejad and Mr Batebi for sharing their very personal and courageous testimonies.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has once again launched a war against its own people. It is killing innocent Iranians. As we sit here today, hundreds of thousands of brave Iranians, exhausted by repression and economic deprivation, are standing for their freedom. On the streets across the country, they demand basic rights and human dignity. These demands are met with brutality, violence, and censorship by the regime.
The failing Iranian regime is trying to hide its crimes behind a total telecom and internet blackout. But it is not possible to hide the truth. Iran’s state forces are killing protesters by the thousands. They are arresting and torturing Iranians to suppress and intimidate their own citizens.
Latvia stands in solidarity with the people of Iran claiming their legitimate right to live their lives and decide their future freely. We demand the Iranian authorities to immediately stop the killings. All detained protesters must be released. All unjustifiable court sentences and threats of execution must be ceased.
For decades the Iranian regime has been playing a destabilizing role across the Middle East and beyond. It continues to pursue its illegal nuclear program. It has persistently avoided re‑establishing credible, verifiable cooperation with the IAEA.
The regime has supported, financed, and armed various proxy forces and terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. This has gravely undermined regional security and prosperity. The continued material support of the Iranian regime to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is despicable. Iranian weapons and technology are used to destroy Ukrainian cities and commit atrocities against the Ukrainian people. Because Iran has chosen to supply and support the aggressor, while its own people have been driven to despair.
Mr. President,
For far too long, the Iranian regime has posed an unacceptable threat to global peace and security. And we condemn in strongest possible terms the brutal actions of the regime and reiterate our support to the brave Iranian people.
Thank you!