Iravani made the remarks at the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
The Iranian Ambassador said that Iran, itself under severe unilateral sanctions, has borne the disproportionate burden of hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades. This responsibility, in the absence of adequate international support, has created enormous economic and security pressures, with annual costs estimated at nearly $10 billion.
The following is the full text of the Iranian envoy's speech at the UN meeting:
Statement by
H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before UN Security Council Briefing
on “Situation in Afghanistan.”
New York, 10 December 2025
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
I congratulate Slovenia on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for this month and thank you, Madam. Minister for chairing this meeting. I thank Ms. Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative, and Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under Secretary-General, for their informative briefing and valuable contributions. We have listened carefully and taken note of the views shared by Ms. Negina Yari.
Madam President,
We take note of the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2025/789). The report confirms that, despite the tireless efforts and work of UNAMA and UN agencies, the Afghan people continue to face severe humanitarian and security challenges, persistent restrictions against women and girls, and threats from terrorism and narcotics, particularly synthetic drugs.
In light of the report, I wish to underline the following points:
First, we express deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, particularly as winter approaches and in the aftermath of recent earthquakes. The severe underfunding of the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan threatens to intensify food insecurity, restrict access to basic services, worsen malnutrition, and deepen inequality, especially for women and children. We echo the Secretary-General’s call in his report on donors to provide increased, predictable, and flexible funding to sustain life-saving operations.
In this context, we believe that meaningful and pragmatic engagement with the de facto authorities remains indispensable to addressing the humanitarian and economic crises that threaten Afghanistan and regional stability. We reiterate that humanitarian assistance must never be politicized. Sanctions must not impede economic stabilization or development, and Afghan national assets frozen abroad must be released without delay to meet the urgent needs of the Afghan people.
Second, the situation of women and girls remains a matter of grave concern. Systematic restrictions on education, employment, and public participation are incompatible with the teachings of Islam and with human dignity. We call on the de facto authorities to reverse these measures. Despite serious concerns, constructive engagement remains the most effective path to promote responsible conduct, uphold human rights, including the rights of ethnic groups and women.
In the meantime, the establishment of a truly representative and inclusive government is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability, preventing renewed conflict and large-scale refugee flows, and ensuring security, economic recovery, and respect for human rights, especially the rights of women and girls.
Third, the threat posed by terrorist groups, including ISIL-K, remains alarming and demands sustained international vigilance and collective action. The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly supports the emergence of Afghanistan as an independent, sovereign, united, and peaceful State, free from terrorism, conflict, and narcotics. Afghanistan must be supported for comprehensive and effective measures to dismantle all terrorist groups and to prevent the use of its territory to threaten or harm other States.
We are deeply concerned by recent security and border incidents between Afghanistan and its neighbours. Iran shares nearly 2,000 kilometers of border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and our security is inseparably linked to that of both neighbours. Afghan territory must not be used as a base for terrorism or violence against neighboring countries, and the de facto authorities must bear full responsibility for preventing any form of support to terrorist entities.
Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has engaged with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, during which he stated that Tehran stands ready to assist in de-escalation efforts between Kabul and Islamabad. He has also proposed convening a regional meeting of foreign ministers to provide a platform for consultation and the development of a coordinated regional approach.
Fourth, given our long-shared border and the presence of millions of Afghan nationals, developments in Afghanistan have a direct and immediate impact on Iran. Engagement with the de facto authorities is therefore not a matter of choice, but a strategic necessity to manage risks, reduce costs, and prevent future challenges. Iran has maintained sustained dialogue and constructive cooperation with Afghanistan, including facilitating trade, strengthening border coordination, delivering humanitarian assistance, and supporting education and health services, to promote regional stability and safeguard its legitimate interests.
As the only viable transit corridor providing Afghanistan with direct access to the high seas, Chabahar Port has served as a critical humanitarian lifeline, facilitating the delivery of essential cargo to Afghanistan. The imposition of restrictive measures under the pretext of so-called unilateral sanctions would have only serious and detrimental consequences for Afghanistan’s economic stability and humanitarian situation. Iran seeks to fully utilize the capacity of Chabahar Port to support Afghanistan’s economic recovery and humanitarian needs.
Fifth, Iran has borne a disproportionate burden for decades by hosting millions of Afghan refugees while itself being subjected to severe unilateral sanctions. This responsibility has imposed immense economic and security pressures, with annual costs reaching nearly ten billion dollars, in the absence of adequate international support.
It is deeply regrettable that the international community has failed to meet even its most minimal obligations to support Afghan refugees in Iran. This failure is clearly reflected in a significant reduction of allocated assistance for 2026, a cut of more than 60 percent. This represents a serious breach of the principle of international responsibility-sharing.
Iran has repeatedly and unequivocally stated, including from this very podium, that it cannot and will not continue to shoulder alone the disproportionate burden of hosting more than six million Afghan nationals without genuine international solidarity, equitable burden-sharing, and tangible financial support.
The return of undocumented Afghan nationals has been conducted in full conformity with international law and humanitarian principles, with strict respect for human dignity.
Finally, UNAMA continues to play a vital and indispensable role in addressing Afghanistan’s complex and multidimensional challenges. We reaffirm our support for its mandate and its effective and impartial implementation. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to continue close cooperation with the United Nations, regional countries and mechanisms, and all relevant stakeholders to promote stability, security, and a better future for Afghanistan.
I thank you.
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