Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ali BAHREINI before ITU Council 202

Agenda item: PL-1 Document C26/86-E

Statement 

by

 H.E. Ambassador Ali BAHREINI

Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva

before

ITU Council 202

 Agenda item: PL-1, Document C26/86-E

 Geneva, 1 May 2026

*****

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

  

Chairperson, distinguished delegates,

I thank you Mr. Chair

I wish to introduce the contribution submitted by the Islamic Republic of Iran for adoption as a new ITU Council Resolution. This proposal is technical in nature and fully within the mandate of the Union.

At the same time, we have carefully noted the remarks made by certain delegations under this agenda item and consider it appropriate to respond in a clear and constructive manner.

The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the neutral and technical mandate of specialized international organizations, including the ITU.

It expresses its reservations regarding the document submitted by certain Member States of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan, noting that a number of the claims appear to rely on interpretations that are not supported by verifiable factual, legal, or technical evidence.

The adoption of a resolution containing explicit political elements remains uncommon in the history of the ITU. Iran has consistently engaged in constructive cooperation within the context of the ITU, acting in full respect to its mandate. In this context, we firmly reject allegations regarding operations targeting civilian telecommunications infrastructure, interference with global connectivity, and coordinated cyber activities. The accusations directed toward Iran, lacks sufficient factual, legal, and technical substantiation. Iran underscores the importance of protecting global communication infrastructure.

We made it clear that our military operations were carried out in the exercise of our inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, in response to prior acts of aggression, and were strictly limited to military targets of the aggressors. States that their territory and airspace has been used for aggression against Iran bear responsibility under international law.

More broadly, Iran considers that addressing such matters within the ITU risks extending beyond the organization’s technical mandate and may affect its neutrality. We therefore encourage Member States to continue to uphold objective, evidence-based approaches and to avoid the politicization of international technical bodies.

 Chair,

I now turn to the introduction of our proposal.

On 28 February 2026, the Islamic Republic of Iran was subjected to an unlawful military attacks targeting its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the United States and Israeli regimes. These attacks, together with those reported in June 2025, caused significant damage to residential areas, schools, hospitals, and critical civilian infrastructure, including broadcasting and telecommunications facilities, satellite earth stations, ICT monitoring centers, and other essential digital systems. In addition, multiple cyberattacks targeted national ICT networks, further compounding the disruption.

Such actions, including interference with broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure, disruption of satellite transmissions, and the provision of unauthorized services within Iran’s territory from neighboring countries, raise serious concerns with regard to the principles of safety, reliability, and continuity upheld by the Union. The impact on access to essential communication services and public welfare has been considerable.

In accordance with Articles 34, 35, and 45 of the ITU Constitution, the right of the public to access telecommunication services, as well as the sovereign right of States to regulate their communication systems, is clearly recognized. Member States are also obliged to prevent harmful interference and avoid disruption to telecommunication services. Article 15 of the ITU Radio Regulations establishes additional technical obligations to ensure the integrity of radio communication systems.

These developments are also relevant in light of ITU-D Resolution 45 (2022) on the protection of critical digital infrastructure, and ITU Resolution 130 (Bucharest, 2022), which highlights the importance of security and confidence in the use of ICTs.

Allow me also to underline that our proposal remains strictly within the technical scope of the ITU. It does not seek political judgment, nor does it call for any form of condemnation. In this regard, we believe it is important to maintain a clear distinction between the role of the ITU Council and that of other bodies, including the United Nations Security Council. Our request is limited to technical support for the reconstruction and recovery of affected ICT infrastructure.

We would also like to highlight an issue of consistency. A precedent has already been established under this same agenda item. It is therefore important, in the interest of fairness and institutional credibility, that similar situations be approached in a consistent and balanced manner. Where reconstruction and technical assistance have been supported in one instance, it would be reasonable to expect that the same principle be applied in comparable circumstances.

In light of the above, the Islamic Republic of Iran submits this proposal for consideration and adoption as an ITU Council resolution. In line with established ITU practice, the proposal seeks to mobilize technical and voluntary financial assistance to support the reconstruction and recovery of affected broadcasting and telecommunications/ICT sectors.

We also wish to emphasize the importance of maintaining the technical nature of the ITU Council’s work and ensuring that its deliberations remain aligned with the Union’s core mandate.

The adoption of this resolution would contribute to addressing immediate, medium-, and long-term recovery needs, strengthening resilience, and supporting sustainable digital recovery.

At the same time, we would like to note certain procedural aspects. Despite not having had the opportunity to formally introduce our draft in advance, we engaged constructively with Member States through bilateral consultations. Furthermore, an informal consultation meeting was organized to gather additional views yesterday. The feedback received indicated that the text is balanced and aligned with the Union’s mandate.

At the same time, in the absence of substantive objections, we believe there is a reasonable basis to proceed in a timely manner and in a way that ensures consistency in the Council’s approach.

I thank you.

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