The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an urgent meeting on Saturday in response to recent military actions involving the United States and Israel targeting Iran. These strikes have significantly heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East region, raising fears of a broader conflict that could destabilize international peace and security.
The 15-member Security Council will gather at 4 p.m. local time in New York, corresponding to 2100 GMT, to deliberate on the unfolding crisis. The session will be presided over by the United Kingdom, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council for the month. This emergency meeting underscores the gravity of the situation and the international community’s urgent need to address the escalating hostilities.
Russia and China formally requested the emergency session, condemning the strikes as an unprovoked act of armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Their joint statement emphasized the necessity of halting these military operations immediately to prevent further deterioration of regional stability. Alongside Russia and China, France, Bahrain, and Colombia also called for the Council to convene, reflecting widespread concern among member states about the potential consequences of continued violence.
During the upcoming Security Council discussions, Russia has announced its intention to demand that both the United States and Israel cease their military actions without delay. The Russian delegation stressed the importance of shifting from confrontation to dialogue, urging all parties involved to pursue a political and diplomatic resolution to the crisis. This approach highlights the growing international consensus on the need to avoid further escalation and to seek peaceful solutions through negotiation.
In addition to the member states’ interventions, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to address the Council during the session. Earlier on Saturday, Guterres released a statement strongly condemning the recent surge in military activity across the Middle East. He warned that the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by retaliatory measures from Iran throughout the region, severely undermines global peace and security.
Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urged all parties to engage in de-escalation efforts. He cautioned that failure to do so could trigger a wider regional conflict with devastating consequences for civilian populations and overall stability. The Secretary-General’s appeal for a swift return to diplomatic negotiations reflects the UN’s commitment to preventing further bloodshed and fostering long-term peace in the Middle East.
