“The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate,” Guterres told the meeting, which was called after Iran’s attack. “Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,” Guterres said.
Beijing also urged restraint, calling the attack “the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict” and calling for the implementation of a recent UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire.
“China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region,” it added.
G7 ‘ready to take measures’ in response to further destabilisation by Iran
G7 ‘ready to take measures’ in response to further destabilisation by Iran
Robert Wood, deputy US ambassador to the UN, called on the 15-member body to unequivocally condemn Iran’s attack, as he said the Security Council has an obligation to not let Iran’s actions go unanswered.
“Let me be clear: If Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible,” he said.
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Humanitarian aid workers delivering food killed in Gaza in ‘unintentional’ air strike
Humanitarian aid workers delivering food killed in Gaza in ‘unintentional’ air strike
Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said his country’s action was necessary and proportionate, and he said that while Tehran does not seek an escalation or war in the region and has no intention of engaging in conflict with the US, it reaffirms its right to defend itself.
“If the US initiates military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its security and interests, Iran will use its inherent right to respond proportionately,” he said.
“Here, you can look at it,” he gestured with the tablet and told the Iranian ambassador, who was also seated in the Security Council chamber.
US does not want wider war with Iran, seeks de-escalation in Middle East crisis
US does not want wider war with Iran, seeks de-escalation in Middle East crisis
Erdan called on the Security Council to condemn Iran, reimpose sanctions and designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a terror organisation.
“The snooze button is no longer an option. The only option is to condemn Iran and utilise every means necessary to make them pay a heavy price for their horrible crimes,” Erdan told the meeting, which he requested on Saturday.
Countries around the world earlier condemned Iran’s strikes on Israel, warning the attack could further destabilise the Middle East.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called on Iran to “immediately cease” attacks, saying in a message on X, formerly Twitter, that “all actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region”.
Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc “condemns in the strongest terms” the attack, calling it “an unprecedented escalation and a threat to regional security”.