UN Security Council to convene Monday following Israel’s Iran strikes
The United Nations Security Council will convene on Monday following Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Iran, according to Israel’s mission to the UN. Iran requested the Security Council meeting, claiming that Israel violated international law with its direct strikes against it early Saturday.
In a letter to the Security Council, Iran’s permanent mission to the UN said Israel’s actions “constitute a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Iran and are “a flagrant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said Iran’s request was “another attempt by Iran to harm us, this time in the political arena,” vowing to “stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself.” Danon called claims that Israel has violated international law “ridiculous.” “Iran will not be allowed to continue hiding behind its affiliates, as long as Iran continues to threaten and try to harm us, it will pay the price,” Danon said.
Iran calls for emergency UN Security Council meeting on Israel attacks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says he wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to condemn the Israeli attacks against Iran and also call for an immediate session of the UN Security Council.
“Although there is no hope that with the presence of the US and some other countries, any product will come out of the Security Council that would work toward reducing tensions and preventing crimes by the Zionist regime, we are pursuing this,” he told state television.
Tehran’s top diplomat said the meeting would provide a good opportunity for Iran and others in the region who condemned the attack to emphasise their positions. “The US is standing behind Israel with all its capabilities and is a partner in the crimes of the Zionist regime,” Araghchi said, adding that “the participation of the Americans is clear for us” in the Israeli attacks early Saturday. “At the very least, they provided the air force of the Zionist regime with an air corridor.”
Austin tells Israeli counterpart: “Iran should not make the mistake of responding to Israel’s strikes”
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Saturday to discuss the Israel Defense Forces’ overnight precision strikes on military targets in Iran.
Austin also discussed “the opportunities that now exist to use diplomacy to dial down tensions in the region,” including both a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza, as well as an agreement in Lebanon that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely to their homes.
Netanyahu says strikes on Iran ‘achieved all objectives’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is happy with the result of Israel’s air strikes on Iran on Saturday.
“We promised we would respond to the Iranian attack and on Saturday we struck,” Netanyahu said in a speech marking the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the October 7 attacks last year.
“The attack in Iran was precise and powerful, achieving all of its objectives.”
