Security Council convenes due to Israeli-American attack on Iran

(Patria) - The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency session today following joint air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which have caused strong international reactions and further increased tensions in the Middle East.

An emergency session was requested by the permanent missions of France, Bahrain, China, Russia, and Colombia, the permanent mission of Russia to the UN announced. The meeting is scheduled to be held later today in New York.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and called for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.

“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failure to do so carries the risk of a wider regional conflict with serious consequences for civilians and the stability of the region. I strongly encourage all parties to return to the negotiating table immediately,” Guterres stated.

He emphasized that all states are obliged to respect 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.

Russia, in a statement, strongly condemned the US-Israeli attacks, stating that such actions constitute a “direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law,” and warned that they could jeopardize peace and stability in the region. Moscow called on Washington and Israel to “immediately cease illegal and escalatory actions” and return to a political and diplomatic solution.

The United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday, claiming the goal was to eliminate threats they claim originate from the Iranian regime. In separate video addresses, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump also hinted at support for political changes in Iran.

Tehran called the attacks a violation of its sovereignty and responded with missile strikes.