Israel slammed the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday for allowing Iran’s foreign minister to speak ahead of EU-mediated talks in Geneva, calling it a “betrayal” of victims of the Iranian regime and a misuse of the UN stage.

Israeli Envoy Labels Iran’s Address ‘Blatant Betrayal’

In a strongly worded letter to Council President Jurg Lauber, Israel’s ambassador Daniel Meron objected to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s invitation to address the session, citing Tehran’s role in regional violence and repression.

“Affording the Iranian foreign minister the floor before this body continues to undermine the council's credibility and constitutes a blatant betrayal of the many victims of this regime worldwide,” Meron wrote.

Iran Denounces Israeli Strikes as ‘War Against Humanity’

In his remarks, Araghchi condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations as a “war against humanity,” pointing to the bombing of nuclear infrastructure and civilian casualties. His speech came just before scheduled nuclear talks with EU foreign policy chief and ministers from France, Germany, and the UK.

UN Defends Its Procedures

The Council clarified that Araghchi was granted permission to speak under established rules allowing exceptional addresses from heads of state or senior ministers. The move, while procedural, triggered political backlash amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

Israel began its air campaign a week earlier, aiming to disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while Tehran insists its nuclear program remains peaceful.