The United Nations Security Council convened an urgent session on Thursday to address escalating tensions surrounding Iran, revealing a stark geopolitical divide between Western powers and their opponents. The emergency meeting, requested by the United States, became a platform for heated diplomatic exchanges as multiple nations warned against military aggression while others threatened forceful response.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz set a confrontational tone by declaring that “all options are on the table” regarding potential actions against Iran. This position faced immediate pushback from multiple council members who advocated for de-escalation and peaceful resolution mechanisms.
Iran’s Deputy Permanent Representative Gholamhossein Darzi delivered a firm response, stating that while his nation seeks neither confrontation nor escalation, it would exercise its right under Article 51 of the UN Charter to respond decisively to any aggression. “Any act of aggression, direct or indirect, will be met with a decisive, proportionate, and lawful response,” Darzi asserted.
Chinese representative Sun Lei issued a stark warning against military adventurism, cautioning that such actions “would only push the region toward an unpredictable abyss.” He emphasized the need for the United States to abandon its “fixation on the use of force” and adhere to UN Charter principles, while noting that history has repeatedly demonstrated that force and interference generate only further conflict and hatred.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia condemned what he characterized as “extremely dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric” from U.S. leadership, accusing Washington of openly advocating for the overthrow of Iran’s constitutional order. He expressed particular concern about America’s “aggressive course toward the use of military force” and urged “hotheads” in the United States and other nations to “come to their senses.”
The session revealed broad international consensus against military action, with representatives from Pakistan, Liberia (speaking for African members), and Colombia all warning that threats or use of force would dangerously destabilize an already volatile region and undermine global peace and security.