UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as global powers confronted each other over the rapidly deteriorating situation following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
During the session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stern warning, stating that the world stands at a “dangerous turning point” and is on the brink of a serious crisis.
Guterres emphasized that the UN Charter guarantees the sovereignty and security of all member states, and the use of force against any country constitutes a clear violation of international law.
He condemned the reported U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, saying the attacks have placed global peace at grave risk.
Guterres described the Middle East development as deeply alarming and unacceptable. He stressed that adherence to international law must be ensured at all costs, adding that peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, not war.
Addressing circulating reports about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Guterres adopted a cautious stance, stating that no definitive conclusion could be reached at this time regarding his status.
France’s representative strongly condemned the attack on Iran and called for urgent efforts to facilitate negotiations, stressing that the region needs peace and that the Security Council must help pave the way for dialogue.
Bahrain’s envoy described Iran’s actions as a serious escalation, condemning missile strikes that reportedly targeted civilian areas in Bahrain. He termed the attack on Bahrain’s sovereignty unacceptable and claimed that Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan had also faced attacks.
Russia’s representative characterized the situation as extremely alarming, stating that Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity had been violated. He reported that more than 200 civilians had been killed in Iran, including children, and accused the United States and Israel of acting irresponsibly in a manner that threatens global stability.
China’s envoy also strongly condemned the strikes on Iran, warning that U.S. actions have pushed the region to the brink of war and urging both Washington and Tehran to return to the negotiating table.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addressed the Council and condemned attacks.
He noted that several Arab countries had been supporting dialogue efforts and expressed Pakistan’s sorrow over the reported deaths of Iranian female students in the joint Israeli-U.S. strikes.
The emergency session remains ongoing as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.
