United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned against further escalation of tensions with Iran during a Security Council meeting.
He reminded member states of the U.N. charter’s prohibition against the use of force on the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, while also condemning Iran’s recent attack on Israel.
Iran’s unprecedented direct assault on Israeli territory involved a swarm of explosive drones and missile strikes, risking a significant escalation in the region.
The attack was retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on Iran’s embassy compound in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of top Revolutionary Guards commanders. The incident followed months of clashes between Israel and Iran’s regional allies, fueled by conflicts in Gaza.
Guterres emphasized the precarious situation in the Middle East, warning of the imminent danger of a full-scale conflict. He urged diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and de-escalate the situation.
Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Robert Wood, called on the Security Council to condemn Iran’s attack unequivocally.
He asserted the council’s obligation to respond decisively to Iran’s actions. Wood also stated the United States’ intention to explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable without specifying details.
He emphasized that Iran would be held responsible for any further aggression against the U.S. or Israel.
Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, defended Iran’s actions as necessary and proportionate for self-defense.
While expressing Iran’s reluctance for further conflict, Iravani reiterated Iran’s right to defend itself against any aggression, including from the U.S.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, accused Iran of violating international law and urged the Security Council to condemn Iran, reinstate sanctions, and designate the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.
Erdan presented video evidence of Iranian drones intercepted above Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, calling for decisive action against Iran’s aggression.
