Following a dramatic escalation in the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency session as diplomatic tensions surged between the United States, Iran, and Israel. The meeting was convened just hours after the U.S. launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear sites, prompting a retaliatory missile barrage by Tehran against Israeli cities.
Inside the packed UN chamber, the ambassadors of the three nations delivered fiery statements, each defending their nation’s actions and condemning their rivals.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated that the strikes were “a last resort to prevent a nuclear breakout” and emphasized that the U.S. had pursued diplomatic channels “for years, in good faith.” She reiterated that the U.S. does not seek war with Iran, but “will act decisively to prevent a nuclear-armed Tehran.” The ambassador also stressed that the safety of American forces and allies in the region is non-negotiable, warning Iran against further provocation.
Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani responded with fierce condemnation, calling the U.S. strikes “an unprovoked act of war” and a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. He asserted that Iran’s missile response against Israel was “measured and lawful”, aimed at self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Iravani accused the U.S. and Israel of conspiring to destabilize the region and warned of “grave consequences” if further attacks occur.
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan defended both the U.S. strikes and Israel’s own military posture, claiming that Iran’s nuclear program posed an existential threat not only to Israel but to global security. He thanked the U.S. for its decisive action and stated that Israel “will not hesitate to defend itself with full force” against any further aggression. Erdan also called for international sanctions on Iran and a formal UN investigation into its clandestine nuclear activities.
The session was marked by intense exchanges and several walkouts, underlining just how divided the global community is over the issue. Russia and China urged de-escalation and criticized unilateral military action, while European nations expressed deep concern over the collapse of diplomacy and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Outside the council, protests erupted in several major cities as public concern grew over the potential for a wider regional war. Humanitarian organizations also raised alarms about civilian safety in both Israel and Iran, as air raid sirens and shelter warnings become a daily norm.
With all sides hardening their positions, the UN appears paralyzed, unable to broker a meaningful resolution. Diplomats warn that the next 72 hours could determine whether the world steps back from the brink—or slides into a broader, possibly uncontrollable, military conflict.
