The United Nations has called for an emergency Security Council meeting on Saturday in response to the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran’s government, which have been met with immediate condemnation from U.N. officials.
As per reports, the Security Council is set to gather around 4 p.m. on Saturday to discuss Operation Epic Fury, an initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling the Islamic State’s missile capabilities and possibly overthrowing its government.
The session will be presided over by the United Kingdom, currently leading the Council. Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned that although British forces are not participating directly, British aircraft are monitoring the Middle East within a defensive role.
Starmer, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, urged Iran to avoid further military aggression.
“Iran can put a stop to this now,” Starmer stated during an address from Downing Street. He added that Iran should halt its attacks, abandon its weapons initiatives, and cease its oppressive actions against its own citizens, who deserve the right to shape their own destinies.
In addition, Macron has called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
China and Russia have also sought emergency discussions regarding what they describe as an unprovoked act of aggression by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation in the region, stating that actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory measures, threaten global peace and security.
He emphasized that all member nations must adhere to their responsibilities under international law, specifically pointing out that the U.N. Charter prohibits threats to another state’s integrity or independence.
Guterres has called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities,” warning that failure to reduce tensions may lead to broader conflict with serious repercussions for civilians and regional stability.
He reiterated the importance of returning to negotiations, asserting that there is no alternative to peacefully resolving international disputes in line with international law and U.N. guidelines.
Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Representative Volker Türk expressed dismay over the military strikes in Iran by the U.S. and Israel, as well as Iran’s retaliatory responses. He pointed out that civilians often bear the brunt of such conflicts.
“Bombs and missiles won’t resolve issues; they only lead to destruction and suffering,” he remarked.
Interestingly, the airstrikes ordered by President Trump received backing from typically opposing left-leaning governments in Australia and Canada, both of which voiced support for U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to mitigate the chaos caused by Iran and its allies in the region.
