UN Security Council Divided Over US Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites

The UN Security Council convened urgently on Sunday after the U.S., joined by Israel, launched a large-scale military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, escalating tensions in the Middle East. President Donald Trump declared the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, in what has become the West’s most significant military action against Tehran since 1979.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the situation risks spiraling out of control, calling for immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. Russia, China, and Pakistan proposed a resolution demanding an unconditional halt to hostilities. However, the U.S. is expected to oppose it, especially since the draft resolution criticizes attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, albeit without naming any country.

China’s envoy urged diplomacy over force, while Russia’s ambassador compared the current claims to the 2003 Iraq WMD narrative, criticizing the U.S. for repeating history. U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea defended the strike, accusing Iran of deceiving negotiators and accelerating its nuclear weapons ambitions.

Iran’s UN representative condemned the attacks as unlawful, claiming the Non-Proliferation Treaty was being misused as political leverage. Meanwhile, Israel’s envoy praised U.S. action, arguing Iran had used diplomacy as a cover to develop nuclear weapons.

The UK urged restraint, stating military action cannot resolve nuclear concerns. IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi confirmed damage at Iran’s Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz sites but reported no radiation leaks.

With Iran’s response still pending and diplomatic rifts deepening, the crisis marks a dangerous turning point in Middle East geopolitics. The Security Council has yet to set a vote on the ceasefire resolution, as member states review the proposal amid growing global anxiety over a broader regional conflict.