U.S. Warns All Options Remain on Table as Iran Protests Dominate U.N. Security Council Debate

The United States has reiterated its strong support for the “brave people of Iran” amid ongoing anti-government protests, warning that all options remain on the table to halt what it describes as a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. Speaking before the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump has made clear that Washington will not rule out any course of action if the situation worsens.

Waltz told the council that thousands of people have reportedly been killed during protests against Iran’s clerical leadership, though President Trump later adopted a more cautious, wait-and-see stance. Trump said he had been informed that the killings appeared to be easing and that there were currently no indications of large-scale executions. Still, Waltz emphasized that Trump is “a man of action,” contrasting his approach with what he described as prolonged inaction at the United Nations.

The U.S. envoy rejected Iran’s claims that the protests were the result of foreign interference or a pretext for military action. According to Waltz, the Iranian government is spreading such narratives out of fear, arguing that the unrest demonstrates the regime’s growing weakness and the determination of its own citizens demanding change.

Iran’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Gholamhossein Darzi strongly pushed back, accusing the United States of misinformation and direct involvement in fueling unrest. While stating that Iran does not seek escalation, Darzi warned that any act of aggression would receive a “decisive, proportionate, and lawful response,” framing the warning as a matter of legal reality rather than a threat.

Russia also criticized Washington’s actions, with Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accusing the U.S. of using the Security Council to justify interference in Iran’s internal affairs and potential military strikes aimed at regime change. He urged restraint and warned against reckless decision-making.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed calls for maximum restraint, urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate violence or destabilize the region. Meanwhile, Denmark’s U.N. ambassador emphasized that Iranians are clearly calling for a better life and urged Tehran’s leaders to listen and pursue peaceful solutions in line with the will of their people.