In a strongly-worded address before the United Nations Security Council’s special briefing on the Middle East, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian delivered a scathing rebuke against the United States and called for decisive UNSC action against Israel.
Amir-Abdollahian accused Israel of perpetrating “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, vehemently criticizing the Security Council’s perceived failure to hold Israel accountable for what he termed “war crimes.” He passionately stressed the urgent need to halt the killing of civilians, including women and children, emphasizing that war is not a solution to the ongoing crisis.
The Iranian Foreign Minister went on to express the displeasure with the Security Council’s inability to address the Israeli regime’s actions, citing Article 24 of the United Nations Charter, which bestows the “primary responsibility” for “prompt and effective action” in maintaining international peace and security upon the Council. He deemed the Council’s inaction unacceptable.
Moreover, Amir-Abdollahian’s address took an unusually harsh tone towards the United States, which he accused of obstructing effective UNSC action. He urged the US to go beyond merely calling for restraint and to compel Israel to end the ongoing conflict, asserting that the US is Israel’s “main backer and accomplice.” He further argued that the US, while expressing concern about regional tensions, continues to support Israel militarily and even infringes on Yemen’s sovereignty, thereby exacerbating the broader regional conflict.
During his speech, the Iranian Foreign Minister called for the adoption of a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, the facilitation of humanitarian access to Gaza, and Israel’s complete withdrawal. He stressed the importance of holding Israel accountable for alleged war crimes and urged an end to the relocation of Palestinians.
In addition to addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict, Amir-Abdollahian condemned the recent joint airstrikes by the United States and the United Kingdom against Houthi targets in Yemen. He criticized these military actions, warning that they could escalate the regional conflict.
Notably, the US and UK conducted airstrikes against eight targets in Yemen, including an underground storage site and Houthi missile and surveillance capabilities. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels had been targeting ships they claimed were linked to Israel and Western powers traveling through the Red Sea trade route. The US and UK justified their actions as efforts to protect the free flow of commerce.
Amir-Abdollahian concluded his address by suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu benefits politically from war and that the Israeli regime relies on regional crises and conflict spillover for its survival. He accused Israel of diverting international attention from its actions in Gaza and the West Bank by shifting blame to Iran and disseminating disinformation.
