Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Ismail Baghaei, has criticized the US and Western countries for their rhetoric on human rights and the international order. He stated that if the law and justice are sacrificed to appease an aggressive and tyrannical ally, then the talk of human rights and international order based on rules would be nothing but empty rhetoric. This comes in response to the new US sanctions against the International Criminal Court and the threat to dismantle it.
Baghaei's comments were reported by the Iranian media on October 11, 2026. He expressed concern that the international order is not only threatened by aggression but also by the normalization of the use of force and the silence of the world in the face of it. He referred to the 1930s, a period marked by the rise of aggressive powers and the failure of the international community to respond effectively.
The Iranian spokesperson questioned the stance of European countries, asking whether standing by an ally means defending the international law and the normative institutional order established after World War II or emulating them in undermining and dismantling it. His comments reflect Iran's concerns about the US and Western policies and their impact on the global order.
The US sanctions against the International Criminal Court and the threat to dismantle it have sparked concerns about the erosion of international law and institutions. The International Criminal Court has been investigating alleged war crimes and human rights abuses in various countries, including some US allies. The US has accused the court of overstepping its authority and targeting American citizens.
Iran has long been critical of US foreign policy and its impact on the Middle East and the world. The country's leadership has often accused the US of hypocrisy and double standards on human rights and international law. Baghaei's comments reflect these concerns and highlight the deep-seated tensions between Iran and the US.
The Iranian government's stance on human rights and international law has been shaped by its own experiences and perceptions of Western policies. Iran has faced criticism from human rights groups and Western countries for its own human rights record. However, the government has consistently maintained that it is committed to upholding human rights and international law.
The debate over human rights and international law is likely to continue, with Iran and other countries challenging the US and Western countries to live up to their rhetoric on these issues. The international community remains divided on many issues, and the tensions between Iran and the US are unlikely to ease anytime soon.
Key points
- Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson criticizes US and Western rhetoric on human rights and international order as empty.
