TEHRAN/NEW YORK – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday called unilateral actions a serious threat to global peace, security, and development, urging countries to strengthen their commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on the Global Development Initiative during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Araghchi said the gathering was both timely and necessary given the persistent structural inequalities faced by developing countries in the global economic, financial, and trade systems.
“Global uncertainties and growing gaps in political and economic systems make this initiative more important than ever,” Araghchi said. He described the initiative as a platform for solidarity, cooperation, and collective action to secure a brighter future.

He stressed the need to reaffirm commitment to multilateralism and reject unilateralism, which he said undermines global peace and development. 
The minister also highlighted the role of the Global Development Initiative in advancing the interests of developing countries and fostering a favorable environment for sustainable development.
Araghchi criticized Western countries for imposing unilateral sanctions on developing nations at a time when eliminating poverty and food insecurity remains a critical challenge.
“Eradicating poverty remains the greatest challenge for policymakers in many developing nations. Hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity are increasing, with serious risks of famine in many parts of the world,” he said.
He said some developed countries are neglecting their commitments and enforcing coercive measures and protectionist policies that violate fundamental rights and hamper economic growth and poverty reduction.
The Iranian minister emphasized the importance of the Global Development Initiative as a forum for enhanced cooperation and pledged Iran’s continued support for its goals.
On Sept. 19, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution to block the reactivation of sanctions on Iran after Germany, France, and Britain triggered the “snapback” mechanism, accusing Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran has rejected the move as illegitimate, accusing the European trio of disregarding their commitments and supporting unlawful sanctions.