A3 JOINT-STATEMENT AT THE UNSC BRIEFING ON THE SITUATION IN IRAN

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Lewis G. Brown II, Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations

15th January 2026

1. Thank you, Mr. President,

2. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 members, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country, Liberia.

3. The A3 thanks ASG Ms. Martha Pobee for her comprehensive briefing, and we listened

carefully to the remarks offered by civil society representatives.

4. We welcome the representative of Iran to this meeting.

5. Mr. President,

6. We underscore the importance of respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms,

and the legitimate aspirations of peaceful demonstrators, and call upon all parties to

exercise maximum restraint, and protect civilians.

7. The A3 notes reports of ongoing protests and demonstrations across numerous cities

and provinces, involving a broad cross-section of the Iranian population, including

youth, women, workers, and members of minority communities.

8. The A3 is concerned by reports that the reaction to the protests and demonstrations

has led to a large number of deaths, arrests, and destruction of properties.

9. Reports of the use of live ammunitions and raids on hospitals are alarming and

unacceptable.

10. We note the letter of the Iranian Government circulated as a document of the Council

as well as the underlying socioeconomic drivers of these protests, which include

deteriorating economic and social conditions.

11. The A3 recognizes that each country bears primary responsibility for addressing its

internal issues through its own constitutional processes, other legal frameworks, and

national institutions.

12. However, we underscore the primacy of the Charter of the United Nations, and relevant

international obligations, and emphasize that the protection of civilians must remain

paramount under all circumstances.

13. The A3 believes that dialogue, inclusivity, and genuine engagement are essential tools

for addressing tensions and grievances in a sustainable manner in every society.

14. Therefore, we encourage all actors in Iran to exercise maximum restraint and to seek

peaceful, constructive, and inclusive dialogue, with full respect for the rule of law, the

rights of citizens and the protection of civilians.

15. Mr. President,

16. The A3 emphasizes the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity

of Iran, and feels compelled to remind leaders of their obligations to their citizens,

including the right to live in peace, security and express themselves within the

boundaries of the law.

17. Separately but connected, the A3 takes note of the broader regional and international context in which these events are unfolding, including their intersection with long-

standing issues related to the nuclear file and regional security dynamics, which underscores the risk of broader repercussions.

18. In this regard, the A3 reaffirms the central role of the global nonproliferation regime,

including the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

19. Transparency and sustained diplomatic engagement remain essential to building trust

and reducing the risk of miscalculation.

20. We encourage all concerned parties to refrain from rhetoric or actions that could

escalate tensions and instead prioritize dialogue and confidence-building measures

that support regional and international stability.

21. To conclude, Mr. President,

22. The A3 reiterates that all parties should exercise restraint and responsibility, uphold

international law, and avoid any action that could escalate tensions or threaten regional

stability.

23. The A3 stands ready to support all efforts geared toward accountability within this

Council and in cooperation with regional partners, intended to facilitate a peaceful,

inclusive, and lasting resolution in Iran.

24. Thank you