New york: Russia strongly condemned the recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran during a briefing at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling the attacks 'unprovoked aggression' and a serious violation of international law. Russian Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia spoke at length about the humanitarian, political, and nuclear risks posed by the strikes.
Nebenzia criticized the UNSC session being held under the agenda item 'The situation in the Middle East,' noting that Russia, China, and Iran had requested the topic be addressed under 'Threats to international peace and security.' He also questioned the Security Council's refusal to invite independent academic observers to provide a briefing, calling it an attempt to suppress unflattering facts.
According to Nebenzia, the strikes targeted senior Iranian political figures and civilian nuclear facilities, causing casualties across 24 provinces. He cited reports that more than 200 people had died, including 85 children at a girls' school in Minab, and extended condolences to victims' families. Russia has taken measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in Iran.
'The actions of Washington and West Jerusalem are unprovoked attacks on a sovereign UN member state,' Nebenzia said. He warned that the strikes risk further destabilizing the region, affecting neighboring countries such as Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
Russia emphasized that the strikes undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. Nebenzia noted that just days earlier, US-Iranian talks were held in Geneva with Omani facilitation, and that Iran had expressed willingness to continue dialogue. He described the strikes as a 'stab in the back' at a time when Tehran was engaging in peaceful negotiations.
The Russian envoy also highlighted that claims of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons are unfounded. He stressed that Iran complies with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and that its nuclear facilities, including Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, operate under international safeguards. 'No nuclear facility can be legally targeted by military force,' he said.
Nebenzia drew parallels with the 2003 Iraq invasion, citing the US use of dubious intelligence to justify military action, and criticized Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for 'victim-blaming' statements that ignored civilian casualties in Iran.
Concluding his address, Nebenzia demanded that the US and Israel immediately halt their military actions. He called for the resumption of political and diplomatic efforts based on international law, mutual respect, and balanced interests.