TEHRAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran has rejected and condemned "reckless and provocative" remarks by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, over Tehran's alleged role in attacks by Yemen's Houthis, Iran's envoy to the United Nations said in a letter cited by state media on Tuesday.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, addressed the letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Christina Markus Lassen, denouncing recent statements by senior U.S. officials as "hostile" and expressing deep concern.
Trump on Monday warned that Iran would be held responsible for "every shot fired by the Houthis" and threatened "dire consequences" should further attacks occur.
Iravani dismissed the comments, saying such rhetoric violated international law and the UN Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits the use of threats or force against sovereign states.
He said Iran remained committed to maintaining international peace and security but would "decisively defend its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national interests in line with international law."
Iran warned that any "aggressive action" against the country would have "serious consequences," for which the United States would bear full responsibility, Iravani said.
He also condemned U.S. and British airstrikes on Yemen, calling them a "clear violation" of Yemen's sovereignty, international law, and UN Security Council resolutions, and a "serious threat" to regional stability.
Trump accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, funding, and intelligence. The U.S. launched new airstrikes on Yemen on Saturday after Trump vowed to continue attacks until the Houthis end attacks on Red Sea shipping.
The Houthi group said last week it would resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait until crossings into Gaza were reopened and humanitarian aid was allowed in. ■
