Guterres reminded the council that Article Two of the UN Charter states that all Member States “shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State,” and that international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected.
The military action that has engulfed countries across the Middle East, the UN chief continued, carries the risk of “Igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world..”
Diplomats meet at the UN Security Council to discuss the rapidly evolving crisis in Iran and the entire Middle East region.
‘Back to the negotiating table’
The Secretary-General reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations, noting that the joint Israeli-US military operation followed indirect talks between the US and Iran mediated by Oman, ““wasting” an opportunity for diplomacy.
Calling for a de-escalation of tensions and an immediate cessation of hostilities, Guterres strongly urged all parties to immediately return to the negotiating table, particularly on the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
“I call on all Member States to strictly comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and to ensure nuclear safety,” he declared.
France: “We need Iran to respect its international obligations”
Jérôme Bonnafont of France called on Iran to respect its international obligations, stressing that adherence to international law is “a condition for long-term security in the region and in the world.”
Ambassador Bonnafont stated that Iran did not take the opportunity to conclude a nuclear deal, but instead reduced its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Russia: “Another unprovoked act of armed aggression”
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the attacks between the United States and Israel were “another unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent Member State, in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
This “reckless step,” he said, has sparked a sharp escalation across the region, which he described as a “betrayal of diplomacy.”
China: Iran’s territorial integrity “must be respected”
Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong described the attacks between the United States and Israel as “brazen,” condemning the threat of force to resolve any international dispute and calling for respect for the “sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and other countries in the region.”
Expressing sadness at the heavy loss of civilian life during Saturday’s attacks, Ambassador Fu called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and an immediate cessation of military action.
He said it was “shocking” that the attacks between the United States and Israel had occurred in the middle of diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Ambassador Mike Waltz of the United States addresses the Security Council meeting on Iran and the Middle East.
United States: ‘Persistent aggression’ cannot be ignored
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said the strikes against Iran were aimed at dismantling its ballistic missile capabilities, degrading naval assets used to destabilize international waters and disrupting the machinery that arms proxy militias.
The goal, he continued, is to ensure that “the Iranian regime can never again threaten the world with a nuclear weapon.”
“No responsible nation can ignore persistent aggression and violence.” He warned, adding that Iran’s continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions – despite diplomatic opportunities – represents “a serious and growing danger.”
United Kingdom: regional stability is “a priority”
“This is a fragile moment for the Middle East,” said Ambassador James Kariuki of the United Kingdom, president of the Council in February. “Regional stability remains a priority,” he said, adding that British forces are active and their aircraft are in the skies as part of “coordinated regional defensive operations” in line with international law.
“We want to see the quickest possible resolution that ensures the security and stability of the region,” he continued, urging Iran to refrain from further attacks and its “appalling” behavior to allow a path back to diplomacy.
Iran’s Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani addresses the Security Council.
Iran: Attacks “lack legal basis”
“This morning, the United States regime – jointly and in coordination with the Israeli regime – initiated unprovoked and premeditated aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in recent months,” said Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani.
“This is not just an act of aggression; it is a war crime and a crime against humanity,” he insisted, accusing the United States and Israel of deliberately attacking civilian-populated areas in multiple large cities.
“Invocation of a ‘pre-emptive strike’, claims of imminent threat or other unsubstantiated political assertions are legally, morally and politically baseless,” Mr. Iravani continued, categorically rejecting claims made by representatives of France, the United Kingdom and other Western representatives about Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Israel: Attacks ‘an act of necessity’
Israel’s attacks on Iran, Ambassador Danny Danon said, took place to stop “an existential threat before it became irreversible.”
His country had acted out of necessity because the regime left no reasonable alternative, building nuclear weapons without regard to international law, murdering its own citizens and crushing dissent, expanding missile arsenals and arming its proxies throughout the region, all while declaring its intention to wipe Israel off the map.
Ambassador Danon said Tehran had been required to stop enriching uranium and allow full inspections, but did not do so.
“They were building the means to force an irreversible reality with their backs against the wall. That is not a future Israel will accept.”
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