Emergency UN Security Council meeting called amid Israel-Iran tensions

NEW YORK: An emergency meeting of the United Nations (UN) Security Council was called for Friday at the request of Iran, as the Israel-Iran tensions sizzle to seventh day.

The request garnered support from Russia, China, Pakistan and Algeria, amidst huge international concern regarding the deteriorating situation in the region.

Read more: Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s Shah, remarks on possible regime change suggest cooperation with Israel

Iran accuses US of direct involvement

Iran described the current state of affairs as having “deteriorated to an extremely dangerous level”. The Middle Eastern state stated that there was “undeniable evidence of direct US involvement”, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that the US President confessed approving the attack on Iran.

The Iran mission to the UN stated that its actions against Israel were defensive in nation, while condemning the United States’ unconditional support for Israel as a threat to global peace and security.

Israel-Iran Conflict

The backdrop to the emergency meeting is the recent escalation in hostilities between Iran and the occupying forces. It began last Friday when Israel conducted airstrikes targeting top Iranian scientists and military personnel, along with the country’s nuclear sites.

Israel has claimed that Iran was nearing weapons-grade uranium enrichment levels, something contested by several sources.

Critics of the Israeli airstrikes argue that the current conflict was deliberately started to stall diplomatic talks between the US and Iran; particularly as key Iranian mediators perished in the strikes.

Iran retaliated with its own barrage of drones and missile strikes following Israel’s last Friday, with the two sides targeting each other’s oil refiners, power plants among other targets.

Iran’s attacks have been intercepted by US military bases across the Middle East, including those in Iraq. Iranian authorities then prepared to target US military bases, as well; while the Republican US President see-saws between joining Israel in attacking Iran or concentrating solely on a resolution to the conflict.

Iran’s military, economic weakness

Iran even launched a hypersonic missile towards Israel on Wednesday. However, the Islamic regime is aware with a crippling economic crisis, it does not stand much chance militarily to confront Israel head-on.

Israel has a strong, stable economy with the backing of the world’s most powerful military and other world economies, with the recent G7 summit fully throwing its support behind Israel.

While, it has bravely reiterated its stance of not backing down amid Trump’s calls for complete surrender, Iran is seeking other methods to seek an end to the current conflict. This is particularly important for Iran as the right-wing Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu has openly called for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Islamic regime also does not enjoy poplar support from its own populace, with several protests over the years erupting in the country calling for its removal. The youth, in particular, resents the theocratic state, while making up majority of the country’s population.   

Europe steps in

While Trump “hmms and haws” over a specific response towards Iran, European powers have taken matters into their own hands. Germany, the United Kingdom among other European powers agreed to hold talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday. The objective of these discussions is to secure assurances that Iran will limit its nuclear programme to civilian use only.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also held telephonic conversation with the Emir of Qatar, with both sides calling for a reduction in tensions and diplomatic dialogue.

Trump’s ambiguity

Trump did indicate that a deal with Iran was still possible, stating that he has not closed the door to a meeting with Iranian officials. He did warn that his supporters did not want Iran to possess nuclear weapons.  

Read more: Trump privately approved attack plans for Iran pending final order: WSJ

UN Secretary-General’s pleas for ceasefire

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also issued a statement calling for an immediate reduction in tensions and a ceasefire. He warned against further internationalisation of the conflict, warning that the consequences of any additional military intervention would be severe for global peace.

The UN chief stated that diplomacy was the only viable solution to the Iran nuclear programme and assassinated security challenges.