The United Kingdom, currently holding the presidency of the UN Security Council, convened an emergency session on February 28 at the request of France, Bahrain, Colombia, China, and Russia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both the United States and Iran to engage in dialogue, particularly to resume discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir-Saeed Iravani, condemned the recent US strikes on Iranian territory, labeling them illegal and reporting civilian casualties from an attack on an Iranian school.
In his address, Guterres emphasized the necessity of adhering to international law under all circumstances. He condemned the extensive military actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s retaliatory attacks on various Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
“We are witnessing a threat to international security. Such events could trigger a series of uncontrollable developments in this region. Conflicts cannot be resolved through force—only through political dialogue and negotiations,”
Guterres stated. He also referenced unverified reports regarding the potential death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while noting that he could not confirm this information. The Secretary-General reported that 20 cities in Iran had been targeted, resulting in civilian casualties, including children, and that 78 individuals had been injured in Israel.
Guterres called for immediate de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities. “I urge the parties to return to negotiations without delay, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program,” he added.
Just two days prior to the commencement of US and Israeli operations against Iran, Washington and Tehran had engaged in talks in Geneva, facilitated by Oman. The Omani Foreign Minister indicated that Tehran had agreed to refrain from accumulating enriched uranium, thereby eliminating its capacity to develop nuclear weapons, a condition emphasized by the US.
Further updates on this developing situation are anticipated.
The UN Security Council convened to address escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with calls for dialogue and adherence to international law. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned military actions by both sides and emphasized the need for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.