TEHRAN - The permanent mission of Iran to the United Nations has clarified Tehran’s negative vote on a draft resolution by the UN General Assembly concerning the Ukraine war that erupted in February 2022.

Iran’s representative reaffirmed Tehran’s consistent position since 2022, insisting on Tehran’s principled commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter.

He stressed the need for full respect by all UN member states for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders, as well as refraining from the threat or use of force, IRNA reported.

The Iranian diplomat underlined the Islamic Republic’s support for a durable peace in Ukraine, stating that any sustainable solution must address the root causes of the conflict, including provocative actions and decisions by certain states and NATO.

Expressing regret that the draft resolution did not address these underlying issues, the representative argued that the text was introduced at an inappropriate time and without transparent prior consultations. The diplomat voiced concern that the resolution could deepen divisions and potentially serve geopolitical rivalries rather than promote lasting peace.

The representative also firmly rejected allegations of supporting any party to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The resolution was adopted as 1,463 days have passed since the Ukraine war began. UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday the war is a “stain on our collective conscience”.

Leading American political scientist John Mearsheimer says, “The United States and its European allies share most of the responsibility for the crisis.” He argues, “The taproot of the trouble is NATO enlargement, the central element of a larger strategy to move Ukraine out of Russia’s orbit and integrate it into the West.”

The draft resolution, titled “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine”, co-sponsored by Ukraine and at least 47 other countries, many European, was adopted with 107 votes in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions — primarily from the global South, including a bloc of Persian Gulf states. Russia, Belarus and Sudan were among the opponents, while China and the U.S. abstained.

At least six UN General Assembly resolutions have been adopted on the Russia-Ukraine war since Feb. 24, 2022. Many countries, especially from Africa, Asia and Latin America, have abstained in the past, an approach that continued Tuesday as overwhelming support for Ukraine has reduced over the last four years. 

Early resolutions, in 2022 and 2023, received more than 140 votes in favor, but that had since dropped to around 90 to 100 votes on relevant texts. In 2025, the Assembly cast 93 yes votes, 18 against and 65 abstentions on the annual draft resolution, reflecting a slight boost for Ukraine this year.