The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has congratulated Iran on the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, according to Iranian state media.
In a letter addressed to President Masoud Pezeshkian, as reported by Iranian news agency IRNA, Guterres extended congratulations on the regime’s National Day, which marks the anniversary of the 1979 establishment of the Islamic Republic.
It is not known whether Guterres mentioned the brutal crackdown on anti-regime protesters in recent weeks.
The UN chief reportedly described national days as important opportunities to reflect on a “country’s path, its role and contributions within the international community, and the ideals that shape its future.”
The UN chief was said to have noted that such anniversaries also serve as reminders of the importance of dialogue and solidarity in confronting global challenges
According to IRNA, Guterres listed ending wars, preventing new conflicts, tackling the climate crisis, reducing inequalities and ensuring the responsible governance of powerful technologies as urgent tests facing the global community.
Guterres reportedly added that meeting the challenges, “requires renewed engagement and commitment to multilateral cooperation to advance peace and security, achieve sustainable development goals, and uphold human rights”.
Monitoring group UN Watch called on Guterres to release the full text of his alleged letter, saying “the world deserves transparency” on the matter.
UN Watch said that if reports of the letter were authentic, “we urge you to explain how congratulating a regime responsible for ongoing massacres serves the cause of peace and justice”.
Guterres’ office was contacted for comment.
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