Iran Roundup: Strategic partnership treaty, plan to counter UN sanctions, alleged genocide

Iran and Russia sign strategic partnership treaty in Moscow

Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in Moscow on January 17, 2025, formalising deeper cooperation across political, security, and economic sectors. The agreement, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, commits both countries to long-term collaboration in regional security and international coordination. It also emphasises joint efforts within multilateral organisations and support for a multipolar world order.

Iran prepares plan to counter possible UN sanctions snapback

Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said that President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has finalised a plan to address the potential reimposition of United Nations sanctions. Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Mohajerani noted that Tehran had anticipated multiple scenarios regarding the snapback mechanism and developed measures accordingly. She added that the plan will be formally approved on Sunday.

Iran and Pakistan to deepen cooperation amid regional developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation on Thursday to review bilateral ties and regional issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation at the bilateral level and within multilateral platforms, while emphasising the need for continued diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

Iran calls for sanctions on Israel over alleged genocide in Gaza

Ali Bahraini, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, urged the Human Rights Council on Thursday to impose immediate and comprehensive sanctions on Israel, citing what he described as an ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at the Council’s 60th session, which reviewed a report on corporate activity in Israeli settlements, Bahraini referred to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion and the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry, both of which point to violations of Palestinian rights. He accused Western governments of complicity in Israel’s actions and stressed that states party to the Genocide Convention are obliged to prevent and punish genocide.

Iran urges UN Security Council to grant Palestine full membership

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has called on the Security Council to approve Palestine’s full membership and recognise it as a sovereign state. Addressing a General Assembly session on the use of veto power, Iravani criticised repeated U.S. vetoes of ceasefire resolutions in Gaza, saying Washington’s actions have paralysed the Council and enabled Israel to continue violations of international law. He accused Israel of decades of unlawful policies, including indiscriminate bombings, forced displacement, settlement expansion, and attacks on religious sites, describing them as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.