UN Security Council Holds Emergency Meeting Over Israel-Iran Conflict
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Friday to address the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The strikes have been described as a dangerous new escalation in the Middle East by UN officials.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned of the far-reaching consequences of the attacks. “I reaffirm the Secretary-General’s condemnation of any military escalation in the Middle East,” she told the Council. “We urge both Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and avoid at all costs a descent into deeper and wider regional conflict.”
The emergency meeting also included a briefing from Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Grossi reported that Iran’s above-ground pilot enrichment plant at the Natanz nuclear site had been destroyed, and that Iran reported attacks on nuclear sites at Fordow and Isfahan as well. He emphasized the grave risks these developments pose to regional stability and nuclear safety.
DiCarlo highlighted that these military actions come at a critical time, as significant diplomatic efforts were underway, including planned talks between the United States and Iran in Oman. However, latest reports suggest that Iran may no longer participate in the negotiations.
“A peaceful resolution through negotiations remains the best means to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program,” DiCarlo stressed. “We must at all costs avoid a growing conflagration which would have enormous global consequences.”
The UN officials urged all parties to return to the diplomatic path to prevent further destabilization of the region and to uphold international peace and security.
