The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emergency meeting witnessed a fierce debate over the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Russia, China, and Pakistan presented a draft proposal in the 15-member council demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated at the meeting's start, "The bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities by the U.S. marks a dangerous turn. We must act decisively to halt the conflict and renew serious dialogue over Iran's nuclear program."
This prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to claim that America has completely annihilated Iran's key nuclear sites. This action is considered the largest Western military strike on the Islamic Republic since the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The world now eagerly awaits Iran's response.
Russia and China Condemn U.S. Action
Russia and China sternly condemned the attack. China's UN Ambassador, Fu Cong, stated, "Peace cannot be achieved in the Middle East through force. Dialogue and negotiation remain the paths to resolution. Diplomatic options concerning the Iranian nuclear issue are not exhausted, and a peaceful route is still open."
U.S. Defends Strike on Iran
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, emphasized the need for decisive action. She urged the Security Council to demand Iran cease its efforts to obliterate Israel and stop its pursuit of nuclear weapons. "Iran has long concealed its nuclear ambitions and has recently stalled our goodwill efforts in negotiations," she added.
Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya likened the strike to the 2003 Iraq War, stating, "We're once again being asked to believe in America's fictitious narratives, causing immense suffering to millions in the Middle East. It proves America learned nothing from history."
Iran Deems Attack as "Open and Illegal Aggression"
Calling for the meeting, Iran labeled the U.S. action as "open and illegal aggression," urging the Security Council to denounce it in the strongest terms. However, it's unclear when the council will vote on the draft resolution, which requires at least nine votes to pass without a veto from the U.S., France, Britain, Russia, or China.
Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated that America and Israel deserve praise, not criticism, for contributing to global safety.
Visible Craters at Fordow Enrichment Site
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reported visible craters at the Fordow enrichment site, nestled beneath a mountain, due to bombardment. Though assessing underground damage is currently impossible, the entry points to uranium storage tunnels in Isfahan, along with the Natanz plant, were targeted. According to the IAEA, no rise in external radiation levels has been detected at any of the three sites.
