Iran and Israel have clashed at the UN Security Council over the viability of diplomacy in resolving tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, following a recent 13-day military confrontation between the two nations.
Iran's Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, told the Council that Iran "never initiated this war," maintaining that its missile strikes were a lawful response to Israeli aggression. "Once the aggressors stopped their attacks, Iran stopped its lawful military response as well," Iravani stated, reaffirming Tehran's "strong commitment" to diplomatic solutions.
Iravani emphasized that Iran continues to support peaceful resolution of issues surrounding its nuclear program and sanctions. He called on the international community to condemn what he described as illegal attacks by Israel and the United States on IAEA-protected nuclear sites in Iran, insisting that Iran's actions remained consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Israel Rejects Diplomatic Approach
In stark contrast, Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, firmly rejected Iran's diplomatic overture, arguing that negotiations have repeatedly failed to halt Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
"Diplomacy with Iran has been tried, tested, and failed," Danon told the Council. He defended Israel's military strikes as a necessary operation to eliminate what he termed a "double existential threat" – nuclear proliferation and missile aggression from Iran.
"We are often told diplomacy must be given a chance. It was given every chance, every round, every channel, every deadline. But the regime in Tehran never intended to comply," Danon added.
International Response
The United States, while calling for restraint, expressed concern over Iran's nuclear activities. Acting U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Dorothea Shea, stated that Iran's recent acceleration in uranium enrichment had "no credible civilian justification." She urged Tehran to return to talks immediately and abandon its military ambitions.
UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward warned that "the situation remains extremely fragile" despite the ceasefire. She welcomed the truce brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump but stressed that "now is the time for a return to diplomacy."
The European Union, represented by Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, reiterated its position that "a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through a negotiated deal, not military action."
UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo described the U.S.-brokered ceasefire as "an opportunity to avoid catastrophic escalation," calling on all parties to recommit to the objectives of the JCPOA and the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The JCPOA, signed between Iran and the five permanent UN Security Council members plus the EU, was designed to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
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