S/PV.9936 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Israel and Kuwait to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; and Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Agency for Atomic Energy. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. DiCarlo. Ms. DiCarlo: Today, at approximately 3.15 a.m. local time, the Israeli military launched waves of air strikes across Iran, targeting a number of locations, including residential areas in Tehran. Those attacks, which are reportedly continuing this afternoon, have targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, military bases, radar installations and nuclear facilities, among other sites. They have reportedly caused significant damage, including, reportedly, dozens of civilian casualties. In retaliation, Iran launched some 100 drones towards Israel, all of which were reportedly intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace. As I speak, there are reports of Iranian missiles heading towards Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called the attack a precise, pre-emptive strike and declared an imminent threat from Iran’s nuclear programme, while also announcing a domestic state of emergency. According to the IDF, more than 200 Israeli Air Force aircraft were involved in the opening strikes, dropping more than 330 munitions on some 100 targets. Multiple nuclear installations were struck, including in Natanz — one of the central sites of Iran’s nuclear programme. In a video message, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israeli forces also attacked Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and top Iranian nuclear scientists. He stated that the attacks were intended to ward off an existential threat, vowing that the battle would continue for “as many days as it takes”. The impact of those attacks has already been felt throughout the region, with neighbouring countries closing their airspace and putting their security forces on high alert. The Houthis have reportedly launched missiles towards Israel, one of which hit the occupied West Bank, causing injuries. Many leaders in the region have condemned the attack as a flagrant violation of international law and an escalation that is pushing the region towards more conflict and tension. According to Iran’s State media and statements made by Iran’s Supreme Leader today, at least four top Iranian Generals and three leading nuclear scientists were killed. A number of civilians have also been reportedly killed or injured. The Supreme Leader has promised “severe punishment” for Israel. I reaffirm the Secretary-General’s condemnation of any military escalation in the Middle East. I also underline the obligation on Member States not to use force against the territorial integrity or the political independence of any State, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. I reiterate the call by the Secretary-General to both sides to show maximum restraint at this critical moment and to avoid at all costs a descent into deeper and wider regional conflict (see SG/SM/22683). Lastly, the latest dangerous escalation follows some significant diplomatic developments. Talks between Iran and the United States were to resume in Oman this weekend. I encourage the continuation of such diplomatic efforts. A peaceful resolution through negotiations remains the best means of ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. We must at all costs avoid a growing conflagration, which would have enormous global consequences.

I thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Grossi. Mr. Grossi: It is a pleasure for us to be able to contribute to this very important debate today. Early this morning, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed of the military operation launched by Israel, which, as Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo just informed us, includes attacks on nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. As I reported this morning to the IAEA’s Board of Governors, we have been in permanent contact with the Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority to ascertain the status of the relevant nuclear facilities and to assess any wider impact on nuclear safety and security. Iran confirmed that, initially, only the Natanz fuel enrichment plant had been attacked in today’s strikes. That facility contains the fuel enrichment plant and the pilot fuel enrichment plant. At Natanz, the above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant, where Iran was producing uranium enriched at up to 60 per cent uranium-235, has been destroyed. Electricity infrastructure at the facility  — the electrical substation, the main electric power supply building, the emergency power supply and the back-up generators — has also been destroyed. There is no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall containing part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant and the main fuel enrichment plant. However, the loss of power to the cascade might have damaged the centrifuges there. The level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site has remained unchanged and at normal levels, indicating that there is no external radiological impact on the population or the environment from the event. However, owing to the impact, there is radiological and chemical contamination inside the facilities at Natanz. The type of radiation present inside the facility, primarily alpha particles, is manageable with the appropriate radiation protection measures. At present, the Iranian authorities are informing us of attacks on two other facilities, namely, the Fordow fuel enrichment plant and at Isfahan, where a fuel plate fabrication plant, a fuel manufacturing plant, a uranium conversion facility and an enriched uranium dioxide powder plant are located. However, I must inform the Council that, at this moment, we do not have information beyond indicating that military activity has taken place around these facilities as well  — facilities which, initially, had not been part of the military operation. But there is now enough information for me to say that these facilities are also of concern. All these developments are deeply concerning. I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as such actions could harm both people and the environment. These attacks have In that regard, as I reminded the Board of Governors of the IAEA, there are numerous General Conference resolutions on the topic of military attacks against nuclear facilities. In particular, General Conference resolutions GC/(XXIX)/ RES/444 and GC/(XXVII)/RES/533 indicate that any armed attack and/or threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes is a violation of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the Statute of the Agency. As Director General of the IAEA, and consistent with the objectives of the IAEA and our Statute, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. The Under-Secretary-General mentioned that yesterday, the Board of Governors of the IAEA adopted an important resolution on Iran’s safeguards obligations. But in addition, the Board resolution stressed its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely. Our Incident and Emergency Centre has maintained continuous contact with Iranian authorities from the onset of the attack, regularly confirming the status of the facilities, and will continue to do so in the coming days. Additionally, we have established a task force comprising several senior staff members to monitor the situation closely over the next few days. They will be available 24/7, of course, at the disposal of the Security Council, as it should be. The IAEA stands ready to provide technical assistance and remains committed to its nuclear safety, security and safeguards mandate in all circumstances. I stand ready to engage with all relevant parties to help ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology in accordance with our mandate. That includes deploying Agency nuclear security and safety experts, in addition to our safeguards inspectors already present in Iran, whenever necessary, to ensure that nuclear installations are fully protected and continue to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes. As I informed the IAEA Board of Governors today, I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel, at the earliest opportunity, to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran. I have also been in contact with our inspectors in Iran and Israel. The safety of our staff is, of course, of paramount importance. All necessary actions are being taken to ensure that they are not harmed. Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward  — for Iran, Israel, the entire region and the international community  — is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy so as to ensure peace, stability and cooperation. The IAEA, as the international technical institution entrusted with overseeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy, remains a unique and vital forum for dialogue, especially now. In accordance with its Statute and long-standing mandate, the IAEA provides the framework and natural platform where facts prevail over rhetoric, and where engagement can replace escalation. I reaffirm my personal readiness and the Agency’s readiness to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran.

I thank Mr. Grossi for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. At the outset, we would like to express our condolences to the people and the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran with regard to the numerous victims, including among civilians, as a result of Israel’s strikes. Before our very eyes, Israel’s actions are triggering an extremely dangerous escalation in the Middle East region, which is something that requires the Council’s urgent attention. We are grateful to Guyana’s presidency for convening this meeting so expeditiously. It is symptomatic that initially the Council was supposed to consider today, at this very time, the humanitarian consequences of inhumane actions by Israel against the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. Instead, we are now compelled to discuss yet another dangerous and irresponsible misadventure of West Jerusalem, which is liable to lead to a large-scale nuclear catastrophe in the region. In the early hours of 13 June, Israel carried out a number of massive strikes against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The attacks targeted peaceful sleeping cities, civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. We heard from the briefers today that there have been victims among civilians. This completely unprovoked attack  — despite Israel’s claims to the contrary — constitutes a gross violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. One is left with the impression that Israel’s leadership is convinced that it has a free hand in the region and believes that Israel can flout all legal norms and replace all international entities, including the Security Council and the IAEA. The Russian Federation strongly condemns this action by West Jerusalem, whose military adventures are pushing the region to the brink of a large-scale war. Responsibility for all the consequences of these actions lies entirely with the Israeli leadership and those who encourage them. We are particularly concerned about the possible radiological consequences of hitting nuclear installations. For a number of years, Russia has warned against trying to solve issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme by force, as it is unacceptable and fraught with dire consequences  — not only for the Middle East region but for the whole world. However, our calls were not heeded, and the situation is now devolving into the most negative and unpredictable scenario. Israel’s actions are aimed at undermining the various negotiating efforts under way aimed at finding solutions to reduce tensions surrounding Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme. The whole world is looking with hope to the outcome of yet another round of indirect contacts between Iran and the United States, previously scheduled for 15 June. Israel decided to pre-empt them in its own way and started bombing Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, thereby showing its contempt for laws, norms, agreements and rules — for everything that serves as the basis for civilized interaction between States. However, the responsibility for what happened lies not only with the State of Israel but also with its closest allies. That is a direct consequence of the connivance of Western countries, which for months deliberately and methodically promoted anti-Iran hysteria both in the Security Council and in the IAEA Board of Governors. Those States did not even try to find a constructive solution to the crisis over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the Plan. Their goal was completely different. It was to put pressure on Iran by any means possible, portraying it as the source of all the troubles in the region and baselessly presenting Tehran’s legitimate response of triggering the JCPOA safeguards as a violation of its non-proliferation obligations. At the same time, the I would like to recall here — and this fact is of principal importance now — that all the problems with the JCPOA began when the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018, and also because of the principled unwillingness by the United Kingdom, France and Germany to fulfil their obligations under the Plan, including to create the conditions for Tehran to receive material benefits from the lifting of unilateral sanctions by the European Union that were in place until 2015. Subsequently, they even went so far as to resume unilateral sanctions, in violation of Article 25 of the Charter. The European Union also joined in with pressure, neglecting its responsibilities as an impartial coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission. The most recent egregious example was yesterday’s adoption in Vienna by the IAEA Board of Governors of yet another biased resolution that is divorced from reality, referring to some imaginary “threat to international peace and security” posed by Iran’s nuclear programme. That occurred despite the fact that Iran is strictly complying with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, that Iran remains the most inspected State by the IAEA and that the reports of the Agency Technical Secretariat clearly state that there are no proliferation risks. In other words, the Western participants in the JCPOA have been doing everything that they can to fuel the escalation and, in fact, are inciting it. The tension that they have artificially created at international platforms has only encouraged Israel to take radical steps and created the illusion of permissiveness. In the context of the current Israeli strikes, we noticed the information circulating in the media about possible coordination between Israel and the British intelligence services; immediately after the Israeli strike against Iran, they sheltered the Israeli aircraft involved in the operation at their base in Cyprus. We also noticed the statement made by Israel claiming that it warned the Federal Republic of Germany — itself a party to the JCPOA — and Italy in advance about the attacks. It also came to the fore that our American colleagues were also aware of Israel’s plans. The Israeli strikes were also supported by the French, who clearly knew about them beforehand. We should not be surprised here if the members of that “group of like-minded States” start condemning Iran for its retaliatory actions, which were taken in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter. We are closely following the actions taken in the current situation by the IAEA Technical Secretariat, whose staff members’ lives and health have been endangered by the Israeli military adventure. We trust that the Agency’s Director General will provide objective assessments and analyses of the developing situation, including in terms of the radiological consequences. There can be no justification for the unprovoked attacks against the territory of sovereign Iran, or the targeted strikes against peaceful nuclear infrastructure. The international community must not — and cannot — stand idly by when such a provocation presents itself, and tolerating such actions is a sure way to large-scale war in the region and a serious threat to global security. We are convinced that the Security Council is obliged to provide an unequivocal legal and political assessment of Israel’s actions and to call for an immediate halt to any kind of pressure by force and for a rejection of the practice of unilateral military steps. All diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and a return to negotiations should be supported. I would like to emphasize once again that the settlement of issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme is possible only through peaceful, political and diplomatic means. No solution by force can be legitimate or viable. By the way, that Russia remains committed to strengthening international law, abiding by the Charter and finding solutions that would prevent the region from sliding further into a new destructive war. We are ready to work with all those who will advocate diplomacy and who will be looking for peaceful means of resolving differences.

First of all, I wish to extend my appreciation to you, Madam President, for your prompt response in convening this urgent meeting, which serves to underscore the gravity of the situation before us. I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi for their insightful briefings. From the beginning of Algeria’s term on the Security Council, we have consistently warned against the growing danger of a broad regional conflagration fuelled by a spiral of illegal acts and multiple provocations by Israel. Today’s events sadly confirm the validity of those warnings. We are now — again — faced with a serious and deliberate act of aggression. The Israeli army has launched coordinated strikes on the territory of Iran, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. Those actions are not only unprovoked and unjustifiable; they constitute a flagrant violation of international law, a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. As clearly articulated in Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter, all Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. The mindset of unilateral force of so-called pre-emptive strikes outside any legal mandate cannot be normalized and cannot be tolerated within the Council. Once again, those attacks prove that the only thing that pre-emptive action can prevent is peace. Therefore, the justifications presented by Israeli officials are unacceptable. They are flawed, especially since they come from a United Nations Member that continues to operate outside the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, that is not fully under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear safeguards regime and that has persistently refused to join the negotiation process related to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. In its communiqué published this morning, the IAEA recalls the numerous General Conference resolutions on the topic of military attacks against nuclear facilities, providing that: “‘any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Statute of the Agency’”. Therefore, the IAEA has consistently underlined that armed attacks on nuclear facilities could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked. Let us not overlook the timing. These attacks are occurring precisely when Iran and the United States, with the facilitation of Oman, are engaged in indirect negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. A sixth round of discussions was due to take place this weekend in Muscat. A question that must be asked about these attacks is: Why now? The use of force without Security Council authorization, absent a legitimate claim of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, undermines the very foundation of the international legal order that this body, the Security Council, was created to uphold. It is an act completely divorced from any legal grounds but does not come as a surprise of anyone in this Chamber. We are witnessing repeated acts of aggression: the bombing of the Lebanese capital; the occupation of new territories in Syria, in Lebanon, in Palestine; and repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty, including the abduction of civilians, as occurred just yesterday. In Gaza, Israel is using starvation as a method of warfare in clear violation of international humanitarian law. Genocide is unfolding before our eyes, before Council members’ eyes. That is the behaviour of a rogue State, and yet some still wonder why the Middle East remains so dangerously unstable. The international community cannot allow a precedent to take hold whereby Israel acts as judge and jury, launching unilateral attacks in violation of established legal norms. Such a course of action would erode the credibility of the Security Council and diminish the authority of the Charter of the United Nations itself. We must reaffirm clearly and collectively that the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations are not optional; they are binding obligations. The prohibition of the use of force and respect for the sovereignty of Member States are the pillars upon which our international system is built. We further reiterate that right must prevail over might. No political objective, no matter how strategic, can justify actions that defy the legal order upon which peace among nations depends. Let us be clear: upholding international law is not a choice. It is a duty under all circumstances and without exception.

I thank you, Madam President, for convening this important and urgent meeting. I also thank Director General Grossi and Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo for their significant briefings regarding Israel’s ongoing attacks and their impact. The Republic of Korea is gravely concerned about the escalating and deepening conflict in the Middle East. We condemn all actions that plunge the region into an extremely dangerous situation. We are deeply alarmed by Israel’s announcement that its targeted operation will continue for as many days as it takes to eliminate the Iranian threat. Although it appears that the strikes were directed at military sites and personnel, including nuclear facilities and missile factories, it is highly troubling that reports indicate they have already resulted in many civilian casualties. As Director General Grossi pointed out, attacks on nuclear facilities could also result in radioactive releases with potential grave consequences for the lives and safety of the people across the region. We support the commitment of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensuring nuclear safety, security and its safeguards mandate in all circumstances. Iran’s retaliation risks further escalation in a region already scarred by years of violence and destruction. The Council has consistently warned against the spillover effects of such conflicts. A full-scale war would serve no one in the world. We therefore urge both parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could lead to further escalation. Another cycle of violence and retaliation must be avoided. We believe both countries possess the wisdom to avert a broader conflict that the region can hardly afford and that a narrow but vital window for diplomacy still remains to pull back from the brink of all-out conflagration. As a country neighbouring another that is seriously violating non-proliferation obligations, the Republic of Korea shares serious concerns over Iran’s continued expansion of its nuclear programme, including the accelerated production of highly enriched uranium. Against that backdrop, the current crisis underscores the urgent need to reach a robust agreement that ensures the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. Without such a resolution, a vicious cycle of armed attack and retaliation may persist, driving the region into even deeper turmoil and instability. We once again call for immediate de-escalation and a renewed push towards a diplomatic solution. The Republic of Korea firmly opposes any steps that could further inflame tensions in the region. Pursuing a military solution may produce short-term visible effects, but in the mid to long term, they will only further deepen and entrench the instability and insecurity in the Middle East. We urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and urgently return to diplomacy.

At the outset, allow me, Madam President, to express my gratitude for swiftly convening this important meeting today. I also would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi for their comprehensive briefings on the grave developments unfolding in the Middle East. Somalia is gravely concerned by the escalating confrontation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, especially in the light of recent reports regarding Israeli air strikes on Iran and Iran’s subsequent actions. Those developments represent a dangerous turning point with serious implications not only for the two countries involved but for the entire region and the world. We are gravely concerned by the air strikes against Iran and call for full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The use of force against a sovereign nation, regardless of the justification, risks undermining the foundational principles of international law and further destabilizing global peace and security. While we recognize the right to self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter, we call for restraint and the de-escalation of the situation. The spillover effects are no longer hypothetical, and their consequences are already painfully clear, threatening to deepen existing crises and endanger countless lives in the Middle East. At this critical juncture, my delegation calls for diplomacy, restraint and meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict. We urge both parties to refrain from further escalation and to prioritize peaceful engagement, wisdom and stewardship. The international community must work collectively to de-escalate tensions and facilitate conditions for a durable peace. The Security Council has a clear mandate to uphold international peace and security. We call on all members to act with unity and resolve, support an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to dialogue and diplomacy. Lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through addressing the root causes of instability in the region and respect for international law. In conclusion, Somalia reaffirms its solidarity with all those affected by the conflict and stands with the global community in urgently calling for a return to diplomacy and full adherence to international law and its covenants, including the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We are meeting today at a time of extreme gravity for international peace and security. The award-winning Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez formulated, as the title of one of his works, a brilliant and now classic expression when he described a foreseeable situation as a chronicle of a death foretold. It applies to these circumstances. Last night’s events should hardly have come as a surprise, but they do represent a new and worrisome link in a chain of tensions that threaten regional and global stability. It is particularly alarming that the events are taking place in a region marked by deep sensitivities in the areas of security and proliferation. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, represents an existential threat that the Council cannot ignore. The Republic of Panama, as a country firmly committed to international law and global stability, constantly and actively calls for the strengthening of the global non-proliferation regime, and we underline the irreplaceable role played by the International Atomic Energy Agency in that collective effort. We further reaffirm that unrestricted respect for the integrity and safety of IAEA personnel is an obligation under international law and a prerequisite for preserving the credibility of the multilateral verification system. Our position is based on the fundamental principles of our foreign policy — respect for and strengthening of the multilateral system and the non-proliferation regime and the promotion of diplomatic dialogue as an essential tool to mitigate tensions and reduce strategic risks. We note the IAEA Director General’s report recently circulated to the members of the Council, which states that the Agency’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action-related verification and monitoring has been seriously affected by the cessation of implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments. We are also following closely the discussions of the IAEA Board of Governors, which adopted yesterday, 12 June, in Vienna, a resolution noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran is in non-compliance with its obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the Agency. Unfortunately, based on the information on the facts and their motivation available so far, we do not yet know the practical extent of those breaches and their effects, or the corresponding risks, nor do can we draw firm conclusions from them. Therefore, for the moment, in any event, neither the parties nor the Security Council must allow those developments to drag the region into a wider conflict that contravenes the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We must act with the utmost urgency and responsibility to avert that outcome. Panama urgently calls for maximum restraint on the part of all States, for compliance with international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter and for the eschewal of any unilateral action that could stoke tensions. We issue an urgent appeal for diplomatic channels to be revived as a means of defusing tensions and mitigating risks that could have irremediable consequences for international security. We further recall that international law requires civilian infrastructure to be protected and places a particular emphasis on nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes and civilian objects, which, on account of their nature, must be protected from There is no military shortcut to stability. Only genuine, inclusive and sustained dialogue is capable of offering a lasting solution to the crises that have brought us together today.

I thank you, Madam President, for convening this emergency meeting of the Security Council. At the outset, Sierra Leone unequivocally deplores the unlawful use of force in contravention of the Charter of the United Nations. We deeply regret the seeming reversion to a period when a State could, without consequence, unilaterally resort to the use of force against another State, in clear breach of the Charter and international law. For small States, this is a deeply troubling trend, which poses grave risks to international peace and security and must be firmly rejected. Turning to our agenda, I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Director General Rafael Grossi for their important briefings. We express grave alarm at the recent report of military strikes by the State of Israel against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including strikes on or near sensitive nuclear facilities, including the main Natanz nuclear facility. We are deeply troubled by the loss of life, as, according to reports, the strikes killed senior Iranian officials, nuclear scientists and civilians. That development represents a dangerous escalation at a time when the Middle East is already facing multiple and overlapping crises. The region, in our view, is at a precipice, and this moment calls for restraint, responsibility and diplomacy. We note with deep concern the letter dated 13 June 2025 from the Permanent Representative of Iran, (S/2025/379) that brings to the attention of the Council very serious reports of violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran. Any such use of force, especially across international borders, raises significant concerns under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. We are further troubled by the potential implications of military operations for nuclear facilities. As Director General Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) previously cautioned, any military action targeting or threatening nuclear facilities poses a severe risk to human lives, the environment and regional security. Attacks on nuclear installations could have catastrophic consequences far beyond the region. Sierra Leone fully aligns itself with the call by the Secretary- General for de-escalation, dialogue and the exercise of maximum restraint (see SG/ SM/22683). This is a time for diplomacy, not confrontation. We urge all parties to step back from the edge and to recommit to diplomatic channels as the only viable path towards durable peace and stability. The Middle East has long been plagued by cycles of conflict and mistrust, but history has also shown that bold diplomacy, even in the most difficult moments, can yield hope. We therefore call for an immediate cessation of hostile actions and urge the revival of regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and mutual security assurances. In that regard, Sierra Leone reiterates its long-standing position that the only path to lasting peace in the region lies in good-faith negotiations based on international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We reaffirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States in the region and underscore the need to avoid provocations and retaliatory measures, which may trigger wider regional confrontation. We also express our support for the important work of the IAEA in monitoring nuclear programmes and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear The international community cannot afford to allow further escalation. The cost in human lives, environmental degradation, economic disruption and regional instability would be incalculable. This is a moment of truth for the Council, in which to assert its collective responsibility for upholding peace and security. Therefore, we call on global leaders and States with influence to emphasize the need for non-military approaches at this time and to promote dialogue, particularly through the IAEA, as the international technical institution entrusted with overseeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We reaffirm the Council’s responsibility for promoting de-escalation and preserving international peace and security through peaceful and lawful means. We call on all members of the Council to work constructively towards a consensus response that reaffirms our shared commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, especially the peaceful resolution of disputes. In conclusion, Sierra Leone urges all the parties concerned to take a step back, de-escalate and return to the table of dialogue. The world is watching, and history will judge the choices made at this defining moment. On the broader question of peace in the Middle East, Sierra Leone expresses its regret at the announcement of the postponement of the planned high-level conference on Palestine and the two- State solution as a result of the recent strikes. We hope that the conference will be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity, as a crucial step towards advancing a just and lasting peace.

I thank you, Madam President, for convening this emergency open meeting, and I thank Director General Grossi and Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for their briefings. In the early hours of this morning, Israel launched large-scale attacks on multiple targets in Iran, causing damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and casualties. The Israeli side said that its military operations would last for several days. China condemns Israel’s actions, which are in violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes an intensification of tensions and an expansion of the conflict and is deeply concerned about the potentially grave consequences of Israeli operations. The sharp escalation in the region is in no one’s interests. We urge Israel to immediately cease all military adventurism and avoid further escalating tensions. We call on all relevant parties to abide by the Charter of the United Nations and international law, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability. China is seriously concerned about the negative impact of the current developments on the diplomatic negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue. China has always been committed to peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation. We oppose the use of force and illegal unilateral sanctions, and oppose armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities. As a State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran’s right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be fully respected. For some time now, conflicts in the Middle East have dragged on, and tensions in the region remain very high. Gaza has been subjected to prolonged attacks and blockades, with more than 2 million people trapped in an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The international community should work together to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, de-escalate the regional situation and effectively curb the spread of conflict. Countries with significant influence over Israel should play an effective and

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi for their briefings. We meet today at a critical moment for regional and international peace and security. As we speak, the situation in the Middle East is once again at the top of our agenda. The risk of escalation and regional destabilization is deeply worrisome, and it requires our greatest attention. It is now time for all actors to show the utmost restraint, to prioritize the safety and well-being of their people and to choose dialogue over confrontation. Denmark’s position is clear: Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. For years, Iran has continued to undertake activities in blatant violation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Its production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium have reached unprecedented levels. Its nuclear enrichment capability and operations continue to expand. It is very disturbing that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is unable to provide assurances that the Iranian nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful because Iran is not fulfilling its legally binding safeguards obligations. These activities constitute a threat to international peace and security and a threat to the global non-proliferation regime. Yesterday’s IAEA resolution clearly demonstrated this dangerous course of action. Still, we strongly believe that diplomacy must prevail. We have supported the talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme. We strongly urge Iran to engage in that dialogue in good faith. In this current climate, we stress the importance of avoiding the serious consequences of a nuclear accident, which would be nothing short of devastating. That is true not only for Iran, but far beyond its borders. We urge all parties to abide by their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including avoiding any steps that could lead to a potential radioactive release. Let me also use this occasion to express our full support for the IAEA and its verification and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear programme and its reporting. The involvement of the IAEA remains essential. In conclusion, let me reiterate the urgency of de-escalation at this moment. For a region already grappling with too much crisis and conflict, a cycle of retaliation would only worsen the situation and risk plunging the Middle East further into conflict. That must be avoided. We call for renewed commitment to diplomacy over discord, for the courage to reduce tensions and to step back from this dangerous brink. Denmark stands ready to support any and all efforts to that end in order to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through a negotiated political solution.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi for their informative and timely briefings. The situation in Iran and the Middle East is still unfolding. This is a dangerous moment, and any further military escalation in the Middle East and beyond should be avoided. We are particularly concerned about the escalation in the region while talks between Iran and the United States on Iran’s nuclear programme were under way. In that connection, allow me to make two brief points. First, we call on both sides to immediately de-escalate, show maximum restraint and avoid retaliation. The international community must be immediately engaged in order to prevent a regional conflagration by using all available diplomatic and dialogue channels. We are closely monitoring the situation and reiterate our strong Secondly, we reiterate the need to respect international law and international humanitarian law. It is essential to uphold the Charter of the United Nations as regards the use of force, as well as the integrity of the global non-proliferation regime. We recall the obligation of United Nations Member States to act in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. It is also of the utmost importance to ensure that civilians do not find themselves in the crossfire, especially given the nuclear aspect of the evolving crisis. As our Foreign Minister recently stated, “the protection of civilians is not optional. It is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law and a moral imperative we cannot ignore”. He went on to say, “we call on all warring parties to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and on all Member States to use their influence to ensure that it is respected by all parties”. In conclusion, let me repeat in the strongest possible terms that, now more than ever, a diplomatic resolution is the only option. It is our only hope for peace and security in the region and beyond.

We would like to join our colleagues in thanking Director General Grossi and Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for their briefings. Pakistan strongly condemns the unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Pakistan stands in resolute solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran. We offer our sympathies and condolences on the loss of life and damages due to these heinous attacks. The Israeli military strikes violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and clearly contravene the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental principles of international law. We unequivocally denounce these blatant provocations, which constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications. Iran has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. These attacks follow a dangerous pattern of irresponsible Israeli conduct, marked by ongoing military operations in Gaza and repeated cross-border strikes in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, demonstrating a consistent and deliberate disregard for international norms. Israel’s actions in the Middle East reflect a continuing pattern of unilateral militarism, in flagrant violation of Article 2, paragraph 4, of the United Nations Charter, and represent acts of aggression, as defined under General Assembly resolution 3314 (XXIX) of 1974. Israel’s serial breaches of sovereignty normalize impunity, erode the authority of the United Nations and gravely undermine the international order. Such blatant aggression and contempt for international law have already had devastating consequences. In Gaza, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the Israeli military onslaught, and a humanitarian catastrophe has unfolded under an illegal blockade that, in fact, has been in place for more than 15 years. In Syria, Yemen and Lebanon, Israeli air strikes have repeatedly targeted sovereign territory, thereby undermining regional stability and exacerbating tensions. The fact that those attacks against Iran happened in the middle of a negotiation process aimed at finding a Pakistan reaffirms its support for the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and sustained dialogue. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was the outcome of painstaking and arduous, yet constructive, negotiations. It charted a road map to comprehensively address the concerns of the parties involved by clearly defining their relevant obligations and responsibilities. The illegal use of force against Iran and the ensuing situation are likely to frustrate the ongoing diplomatic efforts and could destabilize a region that is already under very severe stress. The ongoing diplomatic contacts to reach a negotiated deal and other endeavours to promote regional peace and security must not be allowed to be upended. It is highly regrettable that those attacks have happened while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was continuing its verification activities in Iran. Such actions threaten the IAEA’s technical work, which should be supported and not disrupted. Israel has violated international law, the IAEA statute and several IAEA resolutions by attacking the IAEA-safeguarded facilities. In addition to being a serious violation of international law, those attacks risk setting a dangerous negative precedent and pose a grave threat to the safety of populations in the region and around the globe. As an immediate neighbour of Iran, Pakistan is therefore seriously concerned. Resolution 487 (1981) strongly affirmed that such attacks are a clear violation of the Charter and the norms of international conduct and constitute a serious threat to the entire IAEA safeguards regime. We call on all parties to fulfil their respective obligations and responsibilities and to avoid escalation. Even in these testing times, diplomatic engagement and dialogue must be prioritized. Clearly, the international community is in favour of peace and stability in the region. In a few days, next week, the international community, the United Nations membership, was to come together to express its will to chart the path for the Palestinian State, as part of the two-State solution that would usher in the long-awaited, just and durable peace in the Middle East. Israel’s reckless and irresponsible behaviour cannot be allowed to jeopardize peace efforts, endanger the stability of the entire region and risk wider escalation, thereby threatening global peace and security. The Security Council bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and for stopping that aggression immediately. It must hold the aggressor accountable for its actions. The Council must deny Israel the free hand and the impunity with which it continues to operate in defiance of international law and international opinion. It is also our collective responsibility to reject any notions — with whomever or wherever they may originate — that seek to distort, misuse and abuse the right of self-defence in violation of international law and the Charter. Finally, the Council must collectively muster the courage to take positions and adopt decisions that are in full conformity with the Charter. In accordance with its responsibility, the Council should encourage, support and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to advance the peaceful resolution of conflicts. That is the only viable path forward, as many around the table echoed in their comments. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): I would like to start by thanking Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi for their briefings. The Security Council meets today at a dangerous moment. We are deeply concerned by Israel’s strikes on sites in Iran and by the Iranian military action that we have already seen in response. There is a clear risk that this crisis escalates, with Our first priority must be to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. We urge all parties to urgently step back, show restraint and reduce tensions. The United Kingdom did not participate in this action. And let me say clearly and unequivocally that Russia’s claim that British sovereign bases on the island of Cyprus were in any way involved is nonsense. It is deeply irresponsible at moments like this for Russia to be spreading disinformation. We firmly support any diplomatic efforts to return to stability. Today we have spoken to Israel at the highest levels, and our Foreign Secretary has also spoken to Iranian Minister for Foreign Affairs Araghchi. We have urged both sides to show restraint and de-escalate tensions. We continue to engage partners across the region to ensure that we are collectively doing our utmost to push for a peaceful outcome. The United Kingdom — in partnership with its fellow E3 members, France and Germany — has always championed a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear escalation, which has no credible civilian justification. We will not be deterred from that. As my Prime Minister said today, we have long held concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme as documented by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Israel also needs to protect its people and security. It is therefore in the interests of all actors to stop military confrontation and pursue a negotiated solution. This is time for a strong, united position from members of the Council. We must take urgent action to de-escalate and provide an opportunity for a return to diplomacy.

Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi for their valuable contributions to today’s discussion. Slovenia is deeply concerned about the developments overnight and today, which threaten to destabilize an already very fragile state of affairs in the Middle East. We express our deepest concern about the Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s response. We condemn any military escalation in the region. Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran come at a particularly volatile time, while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are under way. As both my President and the Prime Minister have said, the negotiations have sparked a glimmer of hope that a deal of substantial importance not only for the region, but for the whole international community, would be reached. Slovenia remains concerned with the size and unclear nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. We have zero tolerance for the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Moreover, our concerns are deepened by the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency still cannot confirm the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. However, for us, strikes against civilian infrastructure, whether they happen in Eastern Europe, the Middle East or anywhere else, are unacceptable. Time and time again, Slovenia has cautioned against military action on Iran’s nuclear programme. There is only one legitimate option, and Slovenia remains confident that there is only a political solution to the issue. With that in mind, Slovenia calls on Iran and the United States to remain committed to a peaceful solution and continue their talks in Muscat. Lasting and robust security is built on diplomacy, not military action. I join the Secretary-General’s call on both sides to show maximum restraint. Watching footage from the ground, it is clear that the time to de-escalate is now, immediately.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Director General Rafael Grossi for their briefings. Yesterday Israel took unilateral action against Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s regime has, since its founding, repeatedly called for the State of Israel’s eradication; launched unprovoked, direct and proxy attacks on Israeli civilians; and spread terror, instability and untold human suffering throughout the region. As we speak, Iran is firing missiles at civilian areas across Israel, including in Tel Aviv. As President Trump has repeatedly said, that dangerous regime cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Israel advised us that action was necessary for its self-defence. Every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself, and Israel is no exception. The United States was informed of the strikes ahead of time, but was not militarily involved in these strikes. Our absolute, foremost priority is the protection of United States citizens, personnel and forces in the region. As Secretary Rubio said, Iran should not target United States interests or personnel. Let me be crystal clear: no Government, proxy or independent actor should target American citizens, American bases or other American infrastructure in the region. The consequences for Iran would be dire. President Trump was elected with a sweeping mandate from the American people to advance peace and to avoid the grave mistakes of past Administrations that led to forever wars. We seek a secure peace. As President Trump said, the violence should come to an end, and Iran should make a deal so that there is “no more death, no more destruction”. The United States will continue to seek a diplomatic resolution that ensures Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon or pose a threat to stability in the Middle East. Iran’s leadership would be wise to negotiate at this time.

First of all, I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Director General of the International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAEA) for their briefings on the situation. Following the strikes carried out last night by Israel against Iran, France has been following the situation very closely and expresses its deep concern about the current developments. France reiterates its attachment to stability in the Middle East and urges all parties to observe the utmost restraint and work towards de-escalation. The President of the Republic and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs spoke this morning with their counterparts in the region and beyond, to whom they conveyed the same message about the need to put an end to the current escalation. The commitment to diplomacy of France, together with its E3 partners — Germany and the United Kingdom  — and in close coordination with the United States, is unwavering. Diplomacy must prevail now. France, together with its partners, stands ready to support efforts to reduce tensions. We reaffirm, as the President of the Republic reiterated, Israel’s right to protect itself and ensure its security. France has repeatedly expressed its concern about the escalation of Iran’s nuclear programme. That escalation poses a threat to European security interests, as In April, under the presidency of Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, France organized a Security Council meeting to reiterate the international community’s shared interest in preserving the non-proliferation regime (see S/PV.9906), which is an essential element of our collective security. That involves, for Iran, respecting its commitments not to seek to acquire or develop nuclear weapons and to fulfil its obligations. France, together with its European partners in the E3, has been steadfastly committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis and will continue to do so. We contributed to the negotiation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, then to its full implementation and preservation to this day. Iran has failed to seize the multiple opportunities presented to it to return to the agreement. Iran has continued to escalate its nuclear programme, in violation of its obligations and commitments. Iran’s nuclear programme has never been as advanced as it is today and has no credible civilian justification. The Director General of the IAEA is today unable to ensure that it is for exclusively peaceful purposes. This week, on the basis of the comprehensive report, which is a technical and impartial assessment by the Agency, the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran to be in violation of its safeguards obligations. In recent days, Iran has announced an increase in its enrichment capacities and the establishment of a new infrastructure for that purpose. It is continuing its ballistic activities, which are destabilizing the region and could reach not only the region but also European territory. Iran is transferring drones and missiles to Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine. France, together with its partners, supports a credible and lasting diplomatic solution to respond to the international community’s legitimate concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. That solution must be achieved before the expiration of resolution 2231 (2015) in October. We once again call on Iran to return to upholding its obligations and to engage in good faith in negotiations in order to avoid escalation and further destabilization of the region. Our immediate priority must be to prevent a regional conflagration and pursue a diplomatic solution. France stands ready to work with all its partners to achieve de-escalation in the region.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Guyana. I thank the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, and the Director General of the International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAEA), Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, for their important briefings. Guyana is deeply concerned about the attack carried out by Israel against facilities in Iran. My delegation has noted the reports that the attack has resulted in the loss of lives, including of civilians. It has also, reportedly, resulted in retaliatory drone strikes by Iran against Israel. Israel’s latest attack on Iran contravenes the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. At a particularly volatile period in the region, the attack risks exacerbating existing tensions in the Middle East and escalating the ongoing crisis. Guyana is concerned about the recent military escalation in the region and calls for maximum restraint from Member States. In a region that is becoming increasingly Guyana reiterates its appeal to both Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any further manoeuvres that could plunge the entire Middle East into further turmoil or, worse, result in a nuclear catastrophe. The world simply cannot afford any miscalculations. The consequences for civilians could be catastrophic. Guyana, therefore, urges both Israel and Iran to fully comply with their obligations under international law and relevant resolutions adopted by the Council. We further call on the two parties to uphold the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, to adhere fully to international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter and to settle their differences peacefully. Guyana also stresses the importance of accountability for all violations of international law and to avoid creating a culture of impunity for such actions. Finally, Guyana will act constructively to support any Security Council measure that is in keeping with its mandate aimed at preserving international peace and security. The Council must take a united approach to these developments to confront the prospects of outright war in the region and the devastating consequences that would follow for the region and beyond. The maintenance of international peace and security requires us all to take decisive action, and now is the moment to redouble our collective efforts to prevent a wider conflagration. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Guyana on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and we thank you, Madam President, for your coordination and for convening this urgent and important meeting. We appreciate Under-Secretary-General Ms. DiCarlo and the Director General, Mr. Grossi, for their briefings at this meeting. We also wish to express our appreciation to Algeria, Pakistan, China and the Russian Federation for their support in convening this emergency meeting to address Israel’s unlawful act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, a grave violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. I address the Council today on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the utmost urgency and grave alarm. Last night, the Israeli regime, the most dangerous and terroristic regime in the world, with the full intelligence and political support of the United States regime, conducted a series of coordinated and premeditated military attacks across multiple cities in Iran. Those acts of aggression and unlawful strikes targeted peaceful nuclear facilities, military sites, vital civilian infrastructure and residential areas. Among the key targets was the Natanz nuclear facility, a safeguarded site under the full monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We strongly and unequivocally condemn that barbaric and criminal attack. A series of targeted assassinations were carried out against senior military officials, nuclear scientists and innocent civilians. So far, 78 people, including senior military officials, have been martyred, and more than 320 others injured, the overwhelming majority of them civilians, including women and children. Earlier today, Israel continued its acts of aggression against Iran, once again targeting multiple civilian and military sites across several Iranian cities. Those deliberate and systematic killings were not only illegal but inhumane, a chilling display of calculated aggression. The inaction of the United Nations, the Security Council and the IAEA, despite repeated and documented warnings by the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding Israeli threats against its nuclear sites, has seriously undermined their credibility and authority. Their silence in the face of repeated Israeli provocations has emboldened that rogue regime to escalate its violations and to cross every red line. Let us be clear: that reckless attack on safeguarded nuclear facilities defies not only the fundamental principles of international law but also basic common conscience. Any damage to those facilities risks catastrophic radiological consequences that would not be confined to Iran but could spread across the region and beyond. Only a regime devoid of humanity and responsibility would endanger millions of lives in pursuit of its destructive ambitions. Those actions stand in direct violation of numerous legal instruments, including the IAEA statute, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Geneva Conventions and multiple Security Council and IAEA General Conference resolutions, all of which prohibit attacks or threats against nuclear facilities under safeguards. Above all, the aggression is a grave breach of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2, paragraph 4, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any Member State. Israel also violated Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Permanent Mission of Iraq today formally protested and condemned that violation of its territorial integrity in a letter to the President of the Security Council (S/2025/382). Those who support that regime, with the United States at the forefront, must understand that they are complicit. By aiding and enabling those crimes, they share full responsibility for the consequences. Supporting Israel today is supporting war crimes, crimes against humanity and the deliberate undermining of global peace and security. The Israeli regime’s long-standing crimes against the oppressed Palestinian people, its repeated violations of the sovereignty of the countries of the region and its possession of undeclared weapons of mass destruction have made the Middle East a cauldron of chronic instability since its creation. It is long overdue for the international community to act: that regime must be disarmed of all weapons of mass destruction, placed under international supervision and held fully accountable. This is not a regional issue. This is not merely an attack on one country. This is a direct assault on the international order, an attack on the Charter of the United Nations, the United Nations system and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, as well as the authority of the IAEA. Israel’s leadership, including its criminal Prime Minister, has shamelessly and publicly claimed responsibility for those heinous acts. Israel’s officials said that the aggression aims to wreck nuclear talks. That confession alone is enough to reveal the real motives behind the attack — to kill diplomacy, to sabotage negotiations and to drag the region into wider conflict. This leaves no room for denial. Furthermore, the aggression was intentional, coordinated and fully backed by a permanent member of the Council  — the United States. The United States complicity in that terrorist attack is beyond doubt. The officials of the United States have expressly and brazenly confessed their wilful aid and assistance to the crimes and the gross violations that the Israeli regime has been committing as of last night, including their deliberate transfer of arms. We will not forget that our people lost their The Security Council must act now, firmly and decisively. In 1981, this very Council responded unanimously to the Israeli military attack on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor by adopting resolution 487 (1981), which unequivocally condemned the aggression as a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The Council also called on that criminal regime to refrain from any such acts or threats in the future. Had the Council enforced that resolution and held Israel accountable at that time, the regime would not have been emboldened to continue that unlawful behaviour with impunity. The current aggression is a direct consequence of decades of inaction and double standards. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its inherent right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. Iran will respond decisively and proportionately to that act of aggression at a time, in a place and by the means of its choosing. That is not a threat; it is the natural, legal and necessary consequence of an unprovoked military attack. Iran’s response will be firm, lawful and essential to restoring deterrence, defending our sovereignty and upholding the principles of international law. No aggressor can be allowed to act with impunity. We requested this emergency meeting because we expect the Council to fulfil its mandate under the Charter. The Security Council must condemn in the strongest possible terms Israel’s unlawful aggression. It must take immediate, concrete measures to hold the Israeli regime accountable and to prevent a further erosion of international peace and security. Anything less would signal the collapse of the international system and invite chaos. Let me conclude with a simple and undeniable truth. Israel attacked Iran. Israel violated international law and the Charter of the United Nations. And Israel must be held accountable. The Security Council must act now and stop this act of aggression immediately. Silence is complicity in this crime.

I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

First, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi. Israel has acted to prevent its destruction, and the world now stands at a crossroads between denial and clarity. This is not only a defining moment for Israel; it is a defining moment for the global security order and for the credibility of the international system. As we speak, hundreds of ballistic missiles with conventional payloads are striking Israel’s cities, neighbourhoods and communities. They are striking population centres, not military bases; cities, not Air Force bases. Dozens are being injured, with two persons in critical condition, and we are still following the news. Take a moment and imagine if today that radical regime had nuclear warheads for those missiles. Last night, the State of Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a pre-emptive military operation carried out with precision, purpose and the most advanced intelligence at our disposal. The mission was very clear: dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, eliminate the architects of its terror and aggression and neutralize the regime’s ability to follow through on its repeated public promise to destroy the State of Israel. For years, Iran has declared its intention. Its leaders have spoken without hesitation. Less than a month ago, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called Israel “a cancerous tumour that must be eradicated”. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Israel did not act recklessly. We waited. We waited while Iran enriched uranium to 60 per cent — a level with no civilian justification and a level that brings the regime within days of a nuclear breakout. We waited while the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran had obstructed inspectors, destroyed monitoring equipment and accelerated its covert special development programme. We waited while Iran developed trigger mechanisms, detonation systems and plans for warheads. We waited while its leadership actively recruited more nuclear scientists. We waited while Iran constructed a ballistic missile industry so large and sophisticated —and we can expose it now — that it was intended to challenge even the United States and Russia in ballistic missile capabilities. They cannot deny it. We waited for diplomacy to work. We gave the international community time. We watched negotiations stretch on, as Iran made false concessions and refused the most fundamental conditions. All the while, Iran continued towards building the unthinkable. The wait ended. Our operation targeted three layers of the threat. First, we eliminated the central figures of Iran’s military and nuclear command. That included Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps terror organization; and Gholam-Ali Rashid, Commander of Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the emergency command centre. Those men directed Iran’s conventional military forces and terror forces. They coordinated a terror network that has plagued our region for decades. Think about how many meetings have been held here about Iran’s proxies — in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Secondly, we struck Iran’s military infrastructure, specifically its surface-to- surface missile arrays. Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence, conducted a series of strikes against the Iranian regime’s missile capabilities. Dozens of launchers, missile storage facilities and additional military sites were destroyed. Late last year, Iran launched wave after wave of ballistic missiles at our cities. They deliberately targeted civilians, and the destruction of those missile systems was a moral imperative. These weapons have a range of thousands of kilometres. Leaving them in the hands of a radical regime, one that openly dreams of wiping our nation off the map, was not an option. We will not hesitate; we will not relent; and we will not allow a genocidal regime to endanger our people. Thirdly, we struck the core of their nuclear programme  — the underground enrichment facility at Natanz. That facility was operating at military-grade capacity. Intelligence confirmed that, within days, Iran could have produced enough material for multiple bombs. We targeted the heart of that effort. This operation was carried out because the alternative was unthinkable. How long did the world expect us to wait — until a bomb was assembled, mounted on a Shahab missile and launched towards Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, like the more than 100 missiles launched an hour ago? How long should we wait? To that end, we uncovered intelligence revealing a multi-front plan coordinated by Iran, Hizbullah and Hamas for a future assault on Israel. That plan would be far more sophisticated than that of 7 October. It envisioned mass missile launches — first from Iran, then from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — followed by coordinated border infiltrations. The plan was not aspirational — it was operational, and it was nearing execution. The Council has convened countless times in recent months. It has adopted resolutions, called for restraint and demanded a ceasefire. We met in emergency meetings when Hamas was under threat. Yet, when Iran advanced its nuclear capabilities, the Council said nothing. When Iran crossed line after line, the Council drew no lines of its own. We therefore acted to protect our people’s lives. We acted so that Jewish children in Jerusalem would not wake to air raid sirens triggered by a nuclear launch. We acted to prevent Iranian missiles from carrying radioactive payloads into civilian neighbourhoods. We acted because history has taught us that silence is complicity and hesitation is fatal. We acted because 80 years ago, the Jewish people promised itself “never again”. That promise applies to a nuclear holocaust, as well. This was an act of national preservation. We undertook it alone  — not because we wanted to, but because we were left no other option. We now turn to the Council — not for permission, but for recognition: recognition that Israel did what the world should have done, recognition that the Iranian regime violated every obligation it ever undertook, recognition that Israel has the undeniable right and duty to defend its people from annihilation. We urge the Council to condemn Iran’s nuclear violations and to finally acknowledge the existential threat Iran poses to the world. We urge the Council to join us in our commitment to preventing their genocidal dreams from becoming a reality. But we also expect something even more basic — moral clarity. Stop equating aggressors with defenders. Stop treating a genocidal regime and a democracy under siege as two sides of the same coin. The Iranian regime was preparing for a war that would have spanned the Middle East and beyond  — to Europe, to Asia and to the Americas. It would have been against the international order. We acted to prevent a threat that endangered not only Israel, but the entire world. We will not sit quietly while our people are targeted — not again, not ever. Empty words will not stop Iran; Israel will. We did not wait for the bomb to fall, and we will never allow that day to come.

I now give the floor to the representative of Iraq.

I thank you very much, Madam President, for responding to the request to convene this meeting. I would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency for their briefings. Iraq expresses its deep concern and condemnation of the dangerous military aggression committed by the Israeli entity against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. That includes its blatant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and the inviolability of its airspace. Such actions constitute a flagrant breach of the provisions of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. This unacceptable and illegal aerial breach jeopardizes Iraq’s security and stability. It is also a dangerous violation of our territorial integrity and airspace. It pushes us into conflicts that we are neither party to nor aligned with. It threatens regional and international peace and security. Iraq categorically rejects any attempt to turn our territories or airspace into a theatre for settling regional or international disputes. We stress that we will not permit our national security or sovereignty to be compromised. We will not allow such violations to be repeated under any pretext. The Government of the Republic of Iraq emphasizes that this aggression is also a violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and of the sovereignty of a United Nations Member State. A clear position and serious accountability are what is required of the international community. Moreover, the Israeli entity bears full responsibility for the escalation and for the repercussions of that attack on Iraq’s security and that of the entire region. Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Iraq demands that the Security Council condemn that flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty as a clear breach of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law; hold the Israeli entity responsible legally and politically for that act of aggression; and take the necessary measures to halt and prevent the recurrence of such violations, which endanger the security and stability of Iraq. This aggression once again serves to underscore the need for the Security Council to uphold its responsibility of maintaining international peace and security and to take a clear position on the recurrent violations perpetrated by the Israeli entity, be it against the Palestinian people or against neighbouring countries in the region. In doing so, the Council must distance itself from the mindset of impunity that imperils the standing of international law as a whole and that will aggravate the existing tensions and instability in the region, with potentially dire repercussions. In conclusion, the Republic of Iraq reaffirms its total commitment to the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-intervention in the internal affairs of States and respect for international law. It stresses that it reserves its right to take the measures that it deems appropriate to preserve its national security and sovereignty, in accordance with the Charter and the norms of international law. Iraq calls on the Council to ensure respect for the sovereignty and independence of States, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait.

At the outset, allow me to thank Ms. DiCarlo and Mr. Grossi for their valuable briefings. We address the Security Council today on behalf of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman and my own country, the State of Kuwait. The GCC countries condemn the attacks carried out by Israel starting at dawn today against the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel’s targeting of areas inside that country’s territory. The GCC countries express their concern about that dangerous escalation, which portends serious repercussions for the security and stability of the This attack comes at a highly sensitive time, amid the intensification of international efforts to bring about the resumption of nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America. The attack could obstruct the diplomatic process and ignite a wider conflict that would have serious consequences for regional and international peace. In that context, the GCC countries underscore that such attacks, whatever their justification, contribute only to deepening polarization and widening the circle of violence and open the door to a dangerous regional escalation that does not serve the interests of any of the peoples of the region. The GCC countries also stress that the security of the region will not be achieved through the tools of bombing and escalation, but rather through dialogue, while resorting to political and diplomatic means, and promoting the principles of good-neighbourliness and mutual respect. The GCC countries will continue their efforts to bring about de-escalation and advance dialogue and diplomacy. They reiterate their commitment to working with the parties concerned to find peaceful and lasting solutions that guarantee the security and stability of the region. In that regard, the GCC countries call for maximum restraint and wisdom to avoid risks and prevent the spread of the conflict, and for the international community and the Security Council in particular to assume their responsibilities in stopping those violations. In conclusion, the GCC countries reaffirm their unwavering commitment to supporting the security and stability of the region and their categorical rejection of any violation of the sovereignty of States under any pretext whatsoever. They stress the importance of avoiding a descent into open confrontations that serve only the forces of anarchy and extremism.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion of the subject.