UN Security Council meeting on the situation around Iran. The Security Council held an emergency meeting in connection with the situation around Iran Peace and Security
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres again condemned the massive attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, as well as subsequent Iranian strikes, “violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates”.
He recalled that Article 2 of the UN Charter clearly states: “All Members of the United Nations shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.” The UN chief said that what is happening now in the Middle East is “a serious threat to international peace and security.”
Military actions spread throughout the region
“Military actions could unleash a chain of events that no one can control in the most unstable region in the world,” he said Secretary General
According to reports, the strikes were carried out on 20 cities across Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Shahriar and Tabriz. In Tehran, powerful explosions were recorded in the area where the presidential palace and the residence of the supreme leader are located.
Several high-ranking officials were killed, including, according to Israeli sources, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Significant civilian casualties have also been reported.
At least 85 people were killed and many were injured as a result of an airstrike on a girls’ school in Minab, Hormogan province, according to Iranian media. A strike on a school in Tehran killed two people.
Iran’s airspace is closed and the country’s internet is almost completely shut down.
Military activities are rapidly spreading throughout the region, Guterres noted, creating an increasingly unstable and unpredictable situation and increasing the risk miscalculations.
According to Israeli data, 89 people were injured as a result of Iranian strikes on Israel.
Iran announced that it had launched strikes on US military targets in the region in response to attacks by the US and Israel. The attacks also reportedly affected civilian areas and infrastructure in several Gulf countries. Most nations successfully intercepted the Iranian strikes, but the UAE reported that one civilian was killed by debris from an intercepted missile.
Iraq has reported drone and missile attacks on both sides.
Iran is reportedly closing the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
Missed diplomatic opportunity
The attacks by the United States and Israel occurred after the third round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran through the mediation of Oman, the UN chief recalled. Preparations were being made for technical talks in Vienna next week, which were to be followed by a new round.
“I deeply regret that this opportunity for diplomacy was missed,” the Secretary General said.
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UN: Iran strikes and retaliatory attacks undermine international peace and security
“I call for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities,” he added.
Guterres warned of the possibility wider conflict and said all sides should immediately return to negotiations, particularly on Iran’s nuclear program.
The US President reportedly held talks with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, and Iran’s Foreign Minister with his Gulf and Iraqi counterparts.
The UN chief called on all states to respect international law, as well as to act “responsibly and together.” in the world.” He condemned Iran’s strikes on the countries of the region, emphasizing that France is ready to use means to protect them if they ask for it. (IAEA).
Russia supported Iran
Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya expressed support for “friendly Iran” and called the actions of the United States and Israel “another unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state in violation of the Charter of the Organization and the fundamental principles of international law.”
“They are openly aimed at further interference in the internal affairs of Iran and the destruction of the leadership “inconvenient” state for the West,” Nebenzya said. clarity” US Ambassador Mike Waltz said Operation Epic Fury was aimed at “specific and strategic” goals, including eliminating missile forces that threaten allies and destroying naval forces used to destabilize international waters. “This is a moment in history that requires moral clarity,” said he. Iran’s efforts to develop advanced missile systems, coupled with its reluctance to abandon uranium enrichment as part of its nuclear program, pose a “serious and growing danger,” according to Waltz. The goal of the U.S.-Israeli operation is to ensure that “the Iranian regime never and under no circumstances could threaten the world with nuclear weapons,” Waltz added. The ambassador also said that Iran’s support for armed groups, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas, has led to bloodshed and unrest in the Middle East. “No responsible country can ignore persistent aggression and violence,” he said. Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani described the war against Iran as a war against the UN Charter and the international legal order. The actions of the United States and Israel do not meet any criterion of legitimate self-defense and constitute a violation of Article 2 of the Charter, he noted. “This morning, the United States regime—in concert and in coordination with the Israeli regime—initiated unprovoked and deliberate aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in recent months,” he said. ambassador. He accused them of deliberately targeting densely populated areas in several major cities. He said claims that the attack was preventive and Iran posed an imminent threat had no basis. In response to aggression, Iran is exercising its “inalienable and legitimate” right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iravani said, and will continue to do so “without hesitation” as long as aggression will not stop. For 47 years, the Islamic regime in Iran gathered crowds under the slogans “Death to Israel!”, “Death to America!”, said Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon. “This is not the wrath of a radical minority,” he emphasized. “This is state-sanctioned hatred.” Meanwhile, Iran enriched uranium in violation of international law, built missiles, built underground facilities, and killed its own citizens and suppressed dissent, the ambassador said. Today, along with the United States, Israel took the necessary actions to prevent “a significant threat before it has become irreversible,” he emphasized. According to Danon, Iran left the United States and Israel no other choice. The joint efforts of these countries will continue until the threat is eliminated, he said. Diplomatic options have been exhausted, the ambassador added, emphasizing that Iran had to stop enriching uranium and allow inspections at their nuclear facilities. 
Iran asserted its legitimate right to self-defense
Israel: diplomatic options have been exhausted
