Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Sunday that global legal norms face an unprecedented threat. Speaking at a conference titled “International Law under Assault, Aggression and Defense,” he addressed diplomats, scholars, and legal experts. He said nations increasingly ignore the principles of fairness and equality, endangering global peace and stability.
Araghchi highlighted that despite the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, countries have shown weaker commitment to legal principles. He explained that revisionist powers, particularly the United States and its allies, exploit these weaknesses to pursue temporary interests. He stated, “International law is under attack. The world faces serious challenges and dangerous shifts at multiple levels.”
The Foreign Minister criticized the Western concept of a “rules-based international order.” He argued that leaders often use it to serve temporary political goals rather than uphold universal principles. He added that such practices undermine international law selectively, benefiting the fleeting interests of powerful nations. Furthermore, he emphasized that leaders from the Global South and other regions have repeatedly warned about these trends, but the warnings have largely gone unheeded.
Araghchi condemned the Trump administration’s doctrine of “peace through strength,” explaining that it evolved into “hegemony through force.” He said this approach fuels instability in critical regions and weakens respect for international law. He pointed out that West Asia suffers the most, with recent developments clearly reflecting violations of legal norms.
He urged nations to embrace principles based on equality, universality, and the rejection of coercion. Araghchi stressed that only a shared commitment to law can prevent further instability. He called for dialogue, cooperation, and collective action to strengthen rules that protect peace and justice.
In conclusion, Araghchi warned that ignoring these threats entirely could establish a force-based global order. He repeated that reinforcing international law remains vital to securing fairness, security, and stability worldwide.