Faced with the escalating conflict that threatens the stability of the Middle East, Iranian diplomacy is taking a stand from Abidjan. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Seyed Gholamreza Meigoni , the Islamic Republic of Iran's ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, called on the international community to urgently halt the military escalation.

A setback to diplomatic efforts

The ambassador recalled a paradoxical timeline: while nuclear negotiations had opened in Geneva on February 26, strikes targeted Iranian soil two days later, on February 28.

"These developments have profoundly affected the diplomatic dynamics underway," the diplomat lamented, highlighting the contrast between the willingness to engage in dialogue in Vienna and the reality of the missiles.

Key points of the statement:

1. Self-defense: Tehran invokes Article 51 of the UN Charter to justify its right to protect its territory.
2. Nuclear transparency: The ambassador reiterated Iran's membership in the IAEA, recalling that its facilities remain under international control despite the erosion of the 2015 agreement (JCPOA).
3. Human toll: Grave concern has been expressed regarding civilian casualties, particularly affecting women and children in the recent strikes.

An urgent appeal to the Security Council

Iran is not just calling for restraint, but for concrete action. H.E. Seyed Gholamreza Meigoni stressed the responsibility of the UN Security Council , requesting an emergency meeting .

Iran's position	Target
Sovereignty	Protection of territorial integrity.
Good neighborliness	Preservation of the stability of neighboring countries.
Multilateralism	Return to dialogue via UN mechanisms.

"What role for diplomacy?"

In conclusion, the ambassador raised a fundamental question about the current effectiveness of the international system. While affirming that Iran will defend its sovereignty, he reiterated that the absolute priority must remain the peaceful resolution of disputes to avoid a full-blown regional conflagration.