In a fiery Security Council meeting on Tuesday, tensions flared as delegates condemned Israel’s recent airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Tehran’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Zahra Ershadi, asserted that Israel must bear the full responsibility for the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, including two Iranian generals and a member of Hezbollah.
Ershadi warned of Iran’s right to deliver a “decisive response” to such acts and called for a condemnation of Israel’s actions, labeling them as not just criminal but also a profound affront to diplomatic principles.
The United States, represented by Ambassador Robert Wood, denied any involvement in the strike and cautioned Iran against escalating tensions further. Wood emphasized the need for Iran and its proxies to refrain from exacerbating the situation, particularly in light of recent attacks on Israeli and US facilities.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia condemned Israel’s actions, accusing them of fueling conflict and destabilizing the region. He urged Israel to halt its aggressive behavior in neighboring countries, warning of the dangerous consequences of such actions.
Slovenia’s representative, Samuel Zbogar, echoed concerns about the spillover effects of the Gaza conflict and called for restraint from all parties involved. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the interests of the people in the region and urged compliance with Resolution 2728, which demands a ceasefire.
China’s deputy ambassador, Geng Shuang, strongly condemned the attack on the Iranian consulate, describing it as “extremely vicious” and a breach of international norms. He called for an immediate end to the ongoing tragedy and reiterated the inviolability of diplomatic institutions.
The Security Council meeting highlighted the deepening divisions and escalating tensions in the Middle East, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to quell the conflict and prevent further violence.
