After a 12-day violent conflict between Israel and Iran, US defense officials detailed the executed massive precision strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under Operation Midnight Hammer.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine described the military operations of a highly classified mission launched as a coordinated multi-domain strike targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities as ordered by the President Donald Trump and executed by U.S. Central Command under General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. The operation aimed to significantly degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure.
The strike package, anchored by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, involved an 18-hour round-trip mission supported by multiple in-flight refueling, escort aircraft, and deception tactics. Over 75 precision-guided munitions were used, including the first-ever operational deployment of the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), designed to destroy hardened underground targets. Fourteen MOPs were dropped on two of the sites alone.
U.S. Navy submarines launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at key surface targets, while air defense suppression operations ensured the main strike package encountered no active resistance. Initial battle damage assessments confirm severe destruction across all three nuclear sites. The mission marked the largest operational B-2 strike in U.S. history and the second-longest since 9/11. Despite its scale, Iranian air and missile defenses failed to engage effectively, and the element of surprise was fully preserved. No U.S. casualties or losses have been reported.
Joint-force coordination spanned multiple commands, including Strategic Command, Cyber Command, Space Command, European Command, and Transportation Command. Cyber and space assets provided critical support in targeting, navigation, and electronic warfare, underscoring the military’s ability to conduct integrated, multi-domain operations on a global scale. According to Pentagon sources, planning transitioned from strategy to execution within weeks—a compressed timeline for a strike of this magnitude. Operational security was maintained throughout, preventing intelligence leaks and ensuring tactical surprise.
U.S. officials emphasized the mission’s objective: to deter further nuclear escalation while demonstrating the reach and precision of American military capabilities. U.S. forces remain on high alert in the region, prepared to counter any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks.
Based on the security briefing for media, Operation Midnight Hammer was characterized with the following:
🎯 Over 75 precision-guided weapons, including 14 GBU-57 MOPs, struck three Iranian nuclear sites with devastating impact.
🛩 The operation integrated air, naval, cyber, and space assets from five major U.S. commands.
🚀 Over 24 Tomahawks launched from U.S. submarines targeted critical infrastructure.
🦅 No Iranian fighters or surface-to-air missiles responded to the strike.
⚠️ U.S. forces remain at heightened alert to deter follow-on threats.
The mission sends a clear signal: the U.S. retains the ability—and willingness—to conduct rapid, precise, and overwhelming force across the globe. The operation’s timing, stealth, and coordination reflect a 21st-century approach to deterrence and warfare on the global stage. It demonstrates not only technological superiority but the disciplined execution of a highly skilled joint force.
The global effort to curb nuclear proliferation is no simple diplomatic game; it’s a high-stakes chess match played on the razor’s edge of international security. For decades, diplomats and strategists have leaned on a handful of hard-nosed theories to justify the fragile architecture holding the world’s nuclear order together.
Context for Dialogues, Deterrence and Diplomacy
The global effort to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons is grounded in a complex mix of diplomatic theories and strategic frameworks that diplomats and scholars have drawn upon over decades to justify and defend non-proliferation. Nuclear weapons represent the single greatest existential threat to humanity, so preventing their spread is central to avoiding catastrophic conflict.
Central to this is Realism, which views states as actors pursuing power and security in an anarchic international system. From this perspective, nuclear weapons are the ultimate security guarantees, and non-proliferation seeks to reduce the risk of nuclear war by limiting security dilemmas and preserving the balance of power—preventing new nuclear states helps avoid regional arms races, while deterrence theory underscores that possession of nuclear weapons deters attacks. Realism’s focus on power and deterrence helps maintain a precarious balance that discourages outright war between nuclear-armed states. Without this understanding, the world risks uncontrolled arms races and destabilizing rivalries.
Complementing this is Liberal Institutionalism, which emphasizes the role of international institutions like the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in fostering transparency, cooperation, and compliance through verification and peaceful nuclear technology use, thereby reducing incentives to proliferate. It provides the essential infrastructure for monitoring, verification, and cooperation. IAEA conducts inspections and monitors Iran’s nuclear activities to verify compliance with agreements such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Treaties like the NPT create legal norms and mechanisms that hold states accountable and build trust, reducing uncertainty and miscalculation.
Constructivism adds a focus on the power of identities, norms, and shared understandings, framing non-proliferation as a norm that stigmatizes nuclear weapons outside the recognized nuclear powers; diplomatic efforts thus concentrate on norm-building to delegitimize proliferation, with social pressure shaping state behavior along lines of “responsible” versus “irresponsible” nuclear actors. To further manage risks, diplomats pursue Security Dilemma Mitigation, employing confidence-building measures, transparency, and arms control negotiations to reduce fears that drive states to seek nuclear arms. It emphasized on norms and legitimacy shapes state behavior by creating a shared understanding that nuclear proliferation is unacceptable. This social pressure deters states from crossing red lines and isolates violators politically.
Deterrence and Stability Theories argue that preventing new nuclear states is essential to maintaining strategic stability and avoiding destabilizing crises in regional deterrence relationships. Security dilemma mitigation addresses the core insecurity that drives proliferation, helping to defuse tensions through transparency and dialogue rather than escalating suspicion and arms buildups.
At a broader level, Collective Security and Multilateralism frame proliferation as a threat to international peace and security, with the United Nations and other multilateral bodies legitimizing enforcement mechanisms through Security Council cooperation and sanctions. It underpins efforts to maintain strategic stability—without them, new nuclear states could trigger volatile regional crises that might spiral into conflict. It lends legitimacy and power to the international community’s response, making sanctions and diplomatic pressure effective tools for non-compliance.
Also, Economic and Developmental Incentives serve as diplomatic tools offering peaceful nuclear technology assistance in exchange for non-proliferation commitments, encouraging states to adhere to treaties while pursuing their development goals. It provides practical pathways for states to pursue peaceful development without resorting to nuclear weapons, aligning security with growth and prosperity.
In essence, these theories and diplomatic tools form a multilayered defense system against nuclear catastrophe. They keep the worst-case scenarios at bay by combining hard power logic with legal frameworks, normative pressure, and cooperative mechanisms. Without them, the risk of nuclear proliferation—and with it, global instability and conflict—would rise dramatically, threatening peace, security, and survival on a planetary scale.
The UN Security Council’s call for de-escalation, renewed diplomacy, and non-proliferation is crucial for global peace. De-escalation prevents conflicts from spiraling out of control, especially in nuclear contexts.
Diplomacy opens dialogue channels, builds trust, and enables peaceful conflict resolution. Non-proliferation preserves strategic stability by preventing new nuclear states, reducing arms races, and lowering the risk of nuclear war. Together, these measures reinforce a collective, rule-based approach essential for maintaining international security and preventing catastrophic conflict.
Citing the statements of UN Security Council in their most recent meeting, shortly after the missiles strikes in Iran, here are the essential parts of the statements of the UN Security Council officials whose meetings were broadcasted online for global observance.
IAEA Chief Warns of Escalating Nuclear Risks in Iran Amid Missile Strikes; Calls for Immediate Return to DiplomacyThe international nuclear non-proliferation regime is "at risk of collapse," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned the UN Security Council today, following a series of targeted military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Grossi’s remarks came amid mounting concerns that the window for diplomacy between Iran and Israel—and across the broader Middle East—is rapidly closing.
Speaking at an emergency Security Council session convened by the Guyana presidency, Grossi delivered a stark assessment of the damage sustained by key Iranian nuclear sites after overnight bombardments reportedly carried out by the United States in response to escalating regional tensions.
“If the current window of opportunity for dialogue closes, we face the possibility of unthinkable violence and the collapse of the global non-proliferation framework,” Grossi stated. “Iran and Israel—and the broader Middle East—need peace. There remains a path to diplomacy.”
The IAEA chief confirmed that visible craters and structural damage had been detected at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which enriches uranium up to 60%. The nature of the damage is consistent with the use of ground-penetrating munitions, reportedly deployed by the U.S. However, he added, the extent of underground impacts remains unverified. Additional strikes were confirmed at the Esfahan and Natanz nuclear sites. At Esfahan, cruise missiles targeted buildings linked to uranium conversion, as well as tunnels reportedly used to store enriched material. The Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant—previously attacked multiple times—was also hit again with bunker-busting weapons.
Iran has told the IAEA that no increase in off-site radiation has been detected at the affected sites. Other Iranian nuclear facilities remain operational and unchanged, according to the agency’s latest reporting.
Grossi emphasized that IAEA inspectors must be allowed full access to verify the safety and status of Iran’s nuclear materials and infrastructure. “Any agreement must begin with verified facts,” he said. “This requires IAEA access under conditions of safety and security.” He reiterated a longstanding IAEA position: that any armed attack on a nuclear facility is unacceptable and carries the risk of radioactive release with cross-border consequences.
“I call for maximum restraint,” Grossi urged. “Military escalation delays the possibility of a diplomatic solution and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.” Grossi offered to travel immediately to the region and engage directly with all relevant parties to safeguard nuclear infrastructure and reduce tensions. He also offered to deploy nuclear safety and security experts alongside IAEA inspectors.
“There is arguably no cause more vital than ensuring the atom is used for peace, not destruction,” he said. “We must not allow the non-proliferation regime to collapse.”
South Korea: Restraint, Warns Military Action Cannot Resolve Crisis
Following Grossi’s remarks, South Korea’s representative echoed deep concern over the deteriorating situation and appealed for urgent diplomatic engagement.
“This is the third time in just over a week that the Council has met on this issue. Regrettably, each meeting has followed further escalation,” the South Korean delegate noted. The representative called for all parties to observe international law and emphasized that military confrontation cannot offer a sustainable resolution.
“Despite disturbing developments, the Republic of Korea firmly maintains that there is no sustainable resolution through military means alone. Diplomacy is not merely an option—it is an urgent necessity.”
South Korea also commended the IAEA’s efforts under extremely challenging conditions and warned of broader proliferation risks. “All parties must return to the negotiating table so that both military escalation and nuclear proliferation can be addressed,” the representative said. “We strongly hope that a renewed window for diplomacy can be opened.”
The Security Council meeting closed amid widespread calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts, with many members voicing concern that the ongoing strikes could unravel decades of nuclear oversight and restraint.
Sierra Leone: Ceasefire and Charter-Based Action
In an impassioned address to the UN Security Council, Sierra Leone’s representative issued a stark warning about the risks of unchecked military escalation in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire, strict protection of civilians, and renewed adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
Speaking during an emergency session convened in response to intensified hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States—including recent strikes on multiple Iranian nuclear facilities—Sierra Leone aligned itself with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for “immediate de-escalation to avert catastrophic consequences.”
“The grave situation in the Middle East requires our immediate attention,” the representative said. “This Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
Sierra Leone expressed deep concern over confirmed attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, as well as Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on Israel. These actions, the representative emphasized, significantly raise the risk of a humanitarian and radiological disaster. Referencing IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s earlier briefing, the representative noted that although no increase in off-site radiation levels had been detected, the risk of a radiological incident had “risen substantially.”
“Sierra Leone is deeply troubled by the targeting of nuclear facilities and densely populated areas,” the statement continued. “Even considering the complex regional security dynamics, such actions demand a renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law.”
The representative expressed particular concern that the military strikes were conducted without Security Council authorization and without formal invocation of Article 51—the UN Charter’s self-defense provision—in response to an imminent armed attack.
“We are witnessing actions that undermine the Charter’s core purpose,” they said, warning that these developments run counter to the collective security vision established in San Francisco in 1945.
Sierra Leone laid out a four-point appeal to the Council and the international community:
1. Immediate Ceasefire: The representative called for a comprehensive and immediate halt to hostilities to avoid a broader regional conflict, which could also destabilize global energy markets and maritime trade routes.
2. Protection of Civilians: Citing reports of civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure, Sierra Leone urged strict compliance with international humanitarian law, including the establishment of safe corridors for humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.
3. Preservation of the NPT: The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) must remain a cornerstone of international peace and security, the representative stated. They called on Iran to maintain full cooperation with the IAEA and urged all states to avoid actions that could undermine the treaty.
4. Support for IAEA Verification and Confidence-Building: Sierra Leone backed robust IAEA monitoring and verification, including the provisional application of the Additional Protocol and transparent use of the procurement channel, to build trust and support regional stability.
The representative stressed that the Council must remain vigilant in upholding the rules-based international order, cautioning that any erosion of the UN Charter’s authority would weaken the global safeguards against war. “Immense power brings immense responsibility,” they said. “To set aside the principles of the Charter is to risk emboldening unilateral actions elsewhere.”
Sierra Leone appealed for restraint, de-escalation, and a renewed commitment to diplomacy. The representative reminded the Council that its decisions have real-world consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.
“Behind every geopolitical decision are the lives of ordinary people—men, women, and children—who look to this Council to safeguard their peace, security, and dignity,” the statement concluded.
UK: Military Action Alone Won’t Resolve Iran Nuclear Crisis
The United Kingdom has called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East and warned that military action alone cannot resolve the growing crisis surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Security Council, the UK representative emphasized that diplomacy must be prioritized to prevent further regional destabilization.
“Any further escalation of this conflict poses serious risks to regional and international peace and stability,” the UK envoy said. “Our foremost priority must now be to support immediate de-escalation.”
The representative made clear that while the UK did not participate in the recent U.S. or Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, it remains deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“The United Kingdom has long made clear that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon,” the representative stated. “Its nuclear program poses a serious threat to international peace and security.”
The UK acknowledged that the United States carried out military action “with the stated aim of reducing that threat,” but underscored that there is no lasting solution to be found through force alone. Reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy, the UK highlighted joint efforts with France and Germany—known collectively as the E3—to bring Iran back to the negotiating table.
“This was the joint message conveyed earlier today by the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany,” the representative said, noting that the UK Foreign Secretary had met with Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi in Geneva last Friday, and again today, to press for the resumption of talks.
“We urge Iran to show restraint and call on all parties to return to negotiations. A diplomatic solution is urgently needed to prevent further escalation and bring this crisis to an end.”
The UK representative expressed full support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Director General Rafael Grossi, praising their “critical, professional, and impartial work.”
“The IAEA, along with the Non-Proliferation Treaty, remains a cornerstone of global security,” the representative said. “Threats against IAEA personnel and its Director General are unacceptable.”
The UK urged Iran to fully cooperate with the agency, warning that failure to do so would only worsen the crisis. UK reiterated that now is the time for dialogue, not confrontation.
“It is essential that Iran chooses this path,” the representative said. “De-escalation and diplomacy are the only sustainable way forward.”
France: Commitment to Nuclear Non-Proliferation
France has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic negotiations following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that continued escalation could threaten regional and global security.
Addressing an emergency session of the UN Security Council, France’s representative emphasized that the country did not participate in the planning or execution of the U.S. military operations, which targeted sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation,” the French representative said. “Now is the time for the strikes to cease—for de-escalation and for negotiations to resume.”
The French envoy urged Iran to refrain from further reprisals, halt its nuclear escalation, and return to diplomacy. The appeal follows an exchange of military strikes between Iran and Israel that has already resulted in significant civilian casualties.
The French President has personally engaged regional leaders in recent hours, speaking with the Iranian President as well as the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the Sultan of Oman, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and the Emir of Qatar. “These discussions reflect France’s full commitment to addressing the current crisis and preventing a broader regional conflict,” the representative noted. “Such a conflict would seriously endanger the security of Israel, the Middle East, and global peace.”
The representative reaffirmed France’s alignment with its European partners, the United Kingdom and Germany, and stressed that France remains committed to the diplomatic path that has underpinned its Iran policy for more than two decades. France reiterated its full support for the International Atomic Energy Agency and Director General Rafael Grossi, praising their professionalism under increasingly difficult conditions.
“Iran must urgently return to full cooperation with the Agency,” the representative said. “We note the IAEA’s confirmation that, at this stage, no increases in radioactivity have been detected at the impacted nuclear sites.”
France restated its longstanding position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, emphasizing that such an outcome would pose a direct threat not only to Israel and the Middle East, but also to European and global security.
“There is only one path to resolving the crisis triggered by Iran’s nuclear program—a diplomatic one,” the representative said.
Citing meeting in Geneva between French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Iranian counterpart, the representative said France and its E3 partners had made clear their concern about Iran’s accelerating nuclear activities, which the IAEA has warned it can no longer verify as peaceful.
France reaffirmed its commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while expressing readiness to engage in negotiations that address both the nuclear issue and broader regional concerns, including Iran’s destabilizing actions.
“We must return to the negotiating table to reach a robust, verifiable, and lasting agreement,” the representative said. “Only such a deal can ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and restore regional and international security.”
Turning to the ongoing war in Gaza, France reiterated its support for the immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and the unconditional release of all hostages. “We remain committed to advancing the implementation of a two-state solution, the only viable path to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” the representative added, noting France’s continued efforts to co-chair an upcoming international peace conference alongside Saudi Arabia.
France also called the attention to the Security Council’s upcoming session on Resolution 2231—the UN mechanism supporting the JCPOA—as a vital opportunity to recommit to diplomacy. “That meeting should serve as a renewed opportunity for the Council and for Iran to recommit to diplomacy and to the spirit of negotiation that led to the 2015 agreement,” the representative said.
Panama Calls for Renewed Dialogue Amid Iran Crisis
In a firm appeal during an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Panama urged all parties involved in the escalating Iran crisis to cease hostilities immediately and return to meaningful dialogue. The call came as global concerns mount over the potential for broader regional conflict following recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“It is essential that peace be given a real chance,” said Panama’s representative. “We have repeatedly appealed for maximum restraint, meaningful dialogue, and genuine negotiations.”
Panama thanked UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for their briefings and acknowledged the presence of delegations from both Iran and Israel at the session. While expressing deep concern over the situation unfolding in Iran, Panama welcomed the IAEA’s confirmation that recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities had not resulted in elevated radiation levels or environmental damage beyond the affected sites.
“Fortunately, recent events have not led to an increase in radiation levels,” the representative said. “This assessment is based on information provided by the Iranian authorities and confirmed by the IAEA.”
Panama praised the IAEA for its continued monitoring and professional handling of the crisis, emphasizing the agency’s crucial role in maintaining international nuclear safety. Reaffirming its commitment to global non-proliferation efforts, Panama highlighted the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), describing it as a cornerstone of international law and global security.
“The NPT has made a decisive contribution to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and advancing disarmament,” the representative said. “It has significantly reduced the risk that nuclear weapons become a source of confrontation or conflict.”
Panama also acknowledged that a lack of trust has contributed to rising tensions but expressed hope that space for dialogue still exists. The country urged the Security Council to actively support diplomatic efforts to foster peace and reduce the risk of further civilian suffering.
Panama concluded with a strong message grounded in its role as a neutral and strategic global player.
“Panama is a small nation, but one that is the responsible custodian of a globally significant strategic route,” the representative stated. “We will always uphold international law as the primary path to resolving disputes.”
The statement ended with a direct call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the urgent opening of diplomatic channels to pursue lasting, peaceful solutions.
China Condemns U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites,
Urges Immediate Ceasefire and UN Action
China has issued a sharp rebuke of the United States following its airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the attacks a violation of international law and a serious threat to regional and global security. Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Security Council, China’s representative condemned the strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—sites under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards—as a breach of Iran’s sovereignty and a direct blow to the global non-proliferation regime.
“The actions taken by the United States represent a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law,” the Chinese envoy said. “They have further exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and undermined global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.”
In response to the escalating crisis, China issued a four-point appeal: an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, a return to diplomatic negotiations, and urgent action by the UN Security Council. The Chinese representative called on Israel and the United States to halt all military operations, warning that continued conflict risked a broader regional war. China also expressed deep concern over civilian casualties, emphasizing that all parties must strictly uphold international humanitarian law.
China stressed that a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue remains possible, urging all sides to recommit to diplomacy and resume negotiations. “Diplomatic channels have not been exhausted,” the representative said, adding that force cannot resolve the underlying issues.
Beijing also called on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility under the UN Charter. China, together with Russia and Pakistan, has submitted a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the resumption of talks. The proposal is expected to face close scrutiny and debate among Council members in the coming days.
“China stands ready to work with the international community to promote dialogue, uphold justice, and restore peace and stability in the Middle East,” the envoy concluded.
Greece Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy
Greece expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East during the third emergency UN Security Council meeting in ten days. The Greek representative highlighted the increased danger following recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid catastrophic regional and global consequences.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the representative noted the critical importance of allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to resume monitoring uranium stockpiles and Iran’s nuclear activities. This, Greece emphasized, is vital to preserving the global non-proliferation regime and maintaining regional stability.
While underscoring its firm position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, Greece recognized Israel’s right to security and peaceful coexistence. However, the representative warned that Iran’s high levels of uranium enrichment in a volatile region continue to fuel instability and uncertainty.
Greece welcomed the IAEA’s report confirming no increase in radiation or immediate environmental threats but stressed the ongoing risk of a radiological incident. This risk, they said, makes de-escalation urgently necessary.
Greece called on the international community, particularly influential actors, to support diplomatic efforts grounded in full compliance with the UN Charter and international law. Drawing on the ancient Greek concept of sophrosyne—meaning moderation and self-restraint—the representative urged all sides to halt further escalation and return to dialogue to secure lasting peace.
Denmark: Urgent De-escalation Amid Middle East Tensions
Denmark has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighting the rising civilian casualties and the increasing risk to international peace and security. Speaking at the latest UN Security Council emergency meeting, the Danish representative urged all parties to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and international law, emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Denmark condemned the recent U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the continued escalation could lead to devastating consequences, including the risk of nuclear accidents. The country reiterated its longstanding position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, expressing alarm over Iran’s accelerating nuclear activities and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) inability to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s program.
Welcoming the IAEA’s ongoing monitoring and efforts to keep the global community informed, Denmark stressed the importance of transparent cooperation between Iran and the Agency. The Danish representative also underscored the critical need to safeguard maritime security, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international trade route.
Denmark called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further provocative actions, and re-engage in meaningful diplomatic negotiations. “De-escalation is not just necessary—it is urgent,” the statement said, emphasizing that diplomacy remains the only viable path to lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Denmark affirmed its readiness to collaborate with international partners to promote dialogue and achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Russia Condemns US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites,
Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Return to Diplomacy
Representative of the Russian Federation strongly condemned the recent U.S. missile and bomb strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing them as “irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative” actions against a sovereign UN member state. The strikes, conducted in coordination with the Israeli Air Force on June 22 at sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards—have significantly escalated tensions in the Middle East, according to Russia.
The Russian statement accused the United States of flagrantly disregarding international law, including the UN Charter, Security Council Resolutions 487 and 2231, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Russia emphasized that Washington acted unilaterally without authorization, further inflaming regional instability and risking a broader conflict with unpredictable and potentially catastrophic consequences. Moscow criticized the U.S. for prioritizing the interests of its Israeli ally, accusing it of ignoring civilian casualties and gambling with global safety.
Highlighting warnings from IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi about the unpredictable radiological risks posed by attacks on nuclear infrastructure, Russia accused the U.S. and Israel of showing complete disregard for the health and safety of civilians across the region. The representative condemned the “cynical theater” of some Security Council members calling on Iran to exercise restraint despite it being the victim of unprovoked attacks.
Russia also rejected U.S. claims that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, recalling a March intelligence assessment stating no evidence exists of such ambitions. Moscow drew parallels to the 2003 Iraq invasion, dismissing U.S. assertions as unfounded and warning against repeating history by justifying military aggression based on false pretexts.
The statement criticized the hypocrisy of Western states for failing to hold Israel accountable, noting that Israel has never signed the NPT or agreed to comprehensive IAEA inspections, yet continues to enjoy international impunity while Iran faces bombardment. Russia called for Israel to join the NPT and for all parties to respect international law.
Urging immediate cessation of hostilities by the U.S. and Israel, Russia called on all Security Council members to support a draft resolution—jointly prepared with China and Pakistan—calling for an unconditional ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Moscow stressed the Council’s responsibility to take a clear and principled stance to prevent further escalation and to uphold the global non-proliferation regime.
The Russian Federation concluded saying that failure to act decisively risks plunging the Middle East into a large-scale conflict with unpredictable consequences, including the threat of nuclear disaster. The Council must send an urgent and unequivocal message for restraint and diplomacy before it is too late.
US Justifies Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
At a United Nations Security Council session addressing the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the United States defended its recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, asserting the operation aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and counter what it called the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism.
The US representative framed the strikes as a necessary action to protect the collective self-defense rights of its ally Israel, consistent with the UN Charter. Highlighting Iran’s decades-long hostility, the US accused Tehran of threatening regional and global peace by supporting terrorist proxies, launching hundreds of ballistic missile attacks against Israel, and killing American personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. The representative condemned Iran’s “hostile bluster” and lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program, asserting that decisive action was needed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The US warned that any attack by Iran against American forces would be met with “devastating retaliation.”
The US called on the Security Council to demand that Iran end its longstanding efforts to eliminate Israel, halt its nuclear weapons program, cease targeting American citizens and interests, and engage in genuine peace negotiations for the benefit of the region.
Responding to accusations of hypocrisy related to Security Council Resolution 2231, the US pointed to the latest IAEA report documenting Iran’s continued acceleration of nuclear activities without credible civilian justification, and announced plans for a detailed discussion on the issue.
Slovenia: Disengage from escalation and retaliation
Slovenia’s representative addressed the Council, condemning the recent sharp military escalation and warning that the conflict risks worsening an already volatile regional situation, threatening international peace and security. Slovenia joined Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for all parties to disengage from further escalation and retaliation, urging an immediate ceasefire.
Slovenia emphasized the need for all parties to respect the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, stressing that violence only leads to greater suffering for innocent civilians in the Middle East. Expressing deep concern about Iran’s nuclear program, Slovenia reaffirmed its firm rejection of nuclear proliferation and expressed full support for the International Atomic Energy Agency and Director General Rafael Grossi.
Calling for diplomacy, Slovenia welcomed recent efforts such as meetings between the E3, the EU, and Iran, and urged all parties and their influencers to prioritize peaceful negotiations. Slovenia underscored that a comprehensive, credible, and verifiable solution to Iran’s nuclear program, alongside addressing broader regional crises including Gaza, is essential.
Slovenia reiterated that this is not a time for further military escalations or retaliation but a critical moment for de-escalation, diplomacy, and peace, calling on global leaders to demonstrate leadership toward achieving a sustainable resolution. The Security Council will continue to monitor developments as discussions on the Iran nuclear program and regional stability advance.
Somalia: Restraint and Dialogue
Somalia’s representative expressed deep concern over recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, describing them as a dangerous escalation that risks unleashing uncontrollable violence and regional instability.
Somalia condemned any acts of aggression violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of UN member states, highlighting that such actions breach the UN Charter, particularly Article 2, Paragraph 4, which prohibits the use or threat of force against any state.
Reaffirming respect for Iran’s sovereignty, Somalia called on all member states to uphold these foundational principles. The delegation outlined four urgent priorities to guide the international response:
1. Upholding International Law: Full respect for state sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to UN Charter principles were emphasized as essential to preventing further instability.
2. De-escalation and Ceasefire: Somalia urged all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions and agree to an unconditional ceasefire, with active Security Council support to facilitate diplomatic efforts.
3. Renewed Nuclear Negotiations: Somalia stressed the necessity of resuming meaningful talks on Iran’s nuclear program in line with international resolutions and reiterated support for establishing a Middle East free of nuclear weapons. The call included urging all regional states to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
4. Protection of Civilians and Nuclear Facilities: The statement underscored the critical need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging restraint from targeting nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards due to the severe risks posed to public health, the environment, and regional security. Somalia also highlighted the importance of safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation.
Somalia’s representative called for a collective, measured response based on dialogue, respect, and multilateralism. The delegation echoed the UN Secretary-General’s appeal to “give peace a chance,” urging all parties to prioritize the welfare of the region’s people and seize the moment to pursue de-escalation, renewed negotiations, and lasting diplomatic solutions.
Pakistan Condemns Strikes on Iran, Calls Ceasefire and Dialogue
At a recent UN Security Council emergency meeting convened to address escalating tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan’s representative condemned recent military actions against Iran and urged urgent steps toward de-escalation and diplomacy.
Pakistan expressed deep concern over the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, describing these attacks as a “flagrant breach” of international law, the IAEA statute, and multiple UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 487 (1981). The delegation also strongly condemned Israel’s continued unilateral strikes on Iranian sites under IAEA safeguards, calling these acts illegal and provocative.
Reiterating its principled position based firmly on international law and the UN Charter, Pakistan affirmed its full solidarity with Iran’s right to self-defense and called for an immediate end to all aggression. The representative highlighted that any further escalation risks catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond.
Pakistan’s delegation emphasized the Security Council’s primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security, stressing the legal obligations of all member states, especially permanent Council members, to abide by Council decisions under Article 25 of the UN Charter.
In response to the crisis, Pakistan, alongside China and Russia, circulated a draft Security Council resolution calling for:
1. An immediate and unconditional ceasefire;
2. A halt to further escalation by all parties;
3. Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure; and
4. A diplomatic process for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue acceptable to all involved.
Pakistan’s representative underscored the urgent need to resume dialogue and diplomacy, warning that unilateral military actions only deepen conflicts and worsen humanitarian suffering. He called on the international community to reject force and reaffirm adherence to international humanitarian law on all sides. The delegation also referenced the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which echoed calls for de-escalation and peaceful resolution.
Highlighting the Middle East’s ongoing instability—exacerbated by the prolonged Israeli occupation and denial of Palestinian self-determination—Pakistan urged the Council to act decisively to prevent further deterioration of the situation. “Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward,” the representative said, stressing the need for “seriousness and sincerity” in pursuing peace.
Pakistan affirmed its readiness to work constructively with all Security Council members to address the crisis and called for unity and resolve in the Council’s response.
Algeria: Ceasefire and Diplomacy
Algeria warned that recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities set a dangerous precedent, threatening the safety of populations, undermining international safeguards, and destabilizing the global peace and security framework.
Algeria emphasized the Security Council’s primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security and called for urgent, decisive action. The delegation outlined key steps the Council must take:
1. Unambiguously condemn the attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran as violations of international law and the UN Charter;
2. Denounce the strikes on nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, which contravene Security Council and IAEA resolutions as well as international humanitarian law;
3. Reaffirm the obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure on all sides in accordance with international humanitarian law;
4. Demand an immediate cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive ceasefire;
5. Promote urgent dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue, consistent with the UN Charter.
The Algerian representative noted that Pakistan, China, and Russia have circulated a draft resolution addressing these concerns. The proposed resolution calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, urges all parties to avoid further escalation, demands protection for civilians and infrastructure, and supports a diplomatic path forward acceptable to all parties.
Given the severity of the current crisis and shared concerns voiced during the Council meeting, Algeria expressed hope that the draft resolution would garner broad support, enabling the Council to respond with unity and determination.
Highlighting the Middle East’s ongoing challenges—including prolonged instability, illegal occupation, and the denial of Palestinian rights—Algeria warned that the region cannot sustain another crisis.“We must act now to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control,” the statement said. “History has shown that force and unilateral military actions only deepen conflicts and entrench divisions, causing tragic human and humanitarian consequences.”
Algeria concluded by underscoring that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward and must be pursued with sincerity and urgency by all parties involved.
Guyana: Urgent De-escalation and Diplomacy
The Representative of Guyana expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, urging immediate efforts toward peace and diplomacy.
Guyana appreciated Secretary-General António Guterres, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for their timely briefings and leadership amid the crisis.
“Just two days ago, we met in this chamber calling for diplomacy and de-escalation,” the representative said, recalling the Secretary-General’s plea to “give peace a chance.” Guyana, along with many Council members, has consistently urged restraint from both Israel and Iran to avoid further escalation.
The statement underscored the urgent need for leadership and dialogue over threats and rhetoric, stressing the broader regional and global stakes—including potential humanitarian crises and impacts on global trade, oil prices, and food security.
Guyana outlined key priorities:
1. Renewed calls for all parties to step back from the brink and recommit to diplomacy and dialogue, while influential states resist escalating tensions.
2. A united and urgent response from the Security Council to address the grave threat to international peace and security, preventing a destructive cycle of retaliatory violence.
3. A firm commitment to upholding the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, emphasizing the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The representative also reaffirmed that while the right to self-defense is recognized, it does not exempt any party from responsibilities under international law. Guyana emphasized that these challenges test the world’s commitment to multilateralism and collective security, calling on all to rise to the occasion to prevent further deterioration of peace.
Iran Condemns US and Israeli Strikes,
Calls on UN Security Council to Take Action
The Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran addressed the UN Security Council, condemning recent military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities as “blatant aggression” and violations of international law.
Speaking at the emergency meeting convened by the Council’s president, Iran’s envoy criticized the June 13 Israeli attack and the subsequent June 22 US strike, accusing Washington of acting under the influence of Israeli leadership and prioritizing political interests over regional stability.
Highlighting Iran’s nearly 100 million citizens, the representative stressed Iran’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and warned that the timing and nature of its response would be determined by Iranian authorities.
Iran accused the United States and its European allies—including the UK, France, and Germany—of undermining diplomacy and politicizing the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The representative also criticized the IAEA’s leadership for bias, and condemned the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani by the US as an act of state terrorism.
Iran described itself as a compliant party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), contrasting its transparency with Israel’s refusal to join the NPT despite possessing nuclear weapons.
The statement called on the Security Council to act decisively under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to condemn the attacks, hold the US and Israel accountable, and place Israeli nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. Iran warned that failure to act would damage the Council’s credibility and embolden further violations.
The envoy urged the international community to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, end impunity, and protect peace and security in the Middle East.
Israel Praises US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites as Necessary Defense
The Israeli representative thanked the United States for its recent precise military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, describing the action as a necessary and just defense against what he called the greatest existential threat to global peace and security.
Addressing the UN Security Council, he applauded the US for acting decisively where others hesitated and urged the international community to follow America’s lead in confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The Israeli envoy criticized critics of the strikes, asking where they were when Iran was allegedly advancing its nuclear program in secret, enriching uranium beyond civilian limits, and evading diplomatic efforts through deceit. He described diplomacy as having been tried repeatedly but ultimately used by Tehran to stall and conceal its true intentions.
He emphasized that Israel’s and the US’s targets were carefully chosen military and nuclear sites, not civilian areas, contrasting this with Iran’s support for militias and terror groups across the region.
The representative warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would threaten not only Israel but global security, asserting that inaction would have catastrophic consequences.
He declared that Israel has achieved air superiority over Iranian skies and called on the international community not to appease terror but to stand united against the threat.
In closing, he praised the US for its leadership and courage in the crisis and called on the world to ensure that Iran never attains nuclear weapons capability.
Kuwait Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy
The Kuwaiti representative expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the region, particularly following recent attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran, during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Thanking the Council’s president and key UN officials for their timely engagement, Kuwait emphasized that these developments pose serious threats to both regional and international peace and security.
The envoy warned that continued escalation risks destabilizing the region further and endangering civilian lives, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent a broader conflict.
Kuwait reaffirmed that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolve the crisis and stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty and protecting critical infrastructure, especially nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards.
Highlighting the need for inclusive, comprehensive approaches, Kuwait called for intensified international efforts to achieve political solutions that promote stability, prosperity, and justice.
Kuwait reiterated its commitment to supporting regional and global initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and safeguarding the legitimate interests of peoples in the Middle East and beyond.
Iraq: Diplomacy Amid Rising Regional Tensions
At an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Iraq’s representative expressed deep concern over the recent military strikes targeting nuclear facilities in Iran, warning that these actions risk destabilizing the region and threatening global peace.
Opening his statement, Iraq’s envoy thanked the Security Council president, the Secretary-General, and senior UN officials for their engagement and for recognizing the severity of the crisis. He emphasized the Council’s critical responsibility to maintain international peace and security during this dangerous escalation.
Iraq condemned the recent attacks as a serious breach of international law and Security Council authority, highlighting that unilateral military actions bypassing multilateral institutions undermine the rules-based global order and increase the risk of wider conflict. The envoy stressed that targeting declared nuclear facilities violates Security Council Resolution 487, the statutes of the IAEA, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty, threatening the integrity of the non-proliferation regime and endangering environmental and humanitarian safety across the region.
Pointing to the potential catastrophic consequences of radiation leaks and environmental damage, Iraq called for urgent efforts to preserve diplomatic channels and allow the IAEA to carry out its verification mandate.
The representative underscored the toll that ongoing regional instability has taken on Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, which has experienced repeated airspace violations linked to the conflict. He reaffirmed Iraq’s refusal to allow its territory or airspace to be used for military operations endangering regional security.
Iraq urged the Security Council to restore confidence in multilateral diplomacy, respect state sovereignty, and strengthen peaceful negotiations to prevent further escalation. Emphasizing the need to protect civilians, the envoy called on all parties to return to responsible dialogue and uphold international law, offering hope for peace and stability in the region and beyond.
