US, Israel Embarked On A Dangerous Adventure: Russia, China Call For UNSC Emergency Session Amid On Tensions
British PM, French President and German Chancellor said their countries didn’t take part in the strikes. Image courtesy: AI-generated picture via Sora
In view of the worsening situation In West Asia, following US-Israel strikes on Iran, Russia and China have asked for emergency United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting. They are seeking consultations on the rapidly escalating crisis surrounding Iran, following US and Israeli military strikes and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region.
Moscow and Beijing moved swiftly to place the crisis before the Security Council, warning that the latest round of military action risks spiralling into a broader conflict with catastrophic consequences. Russia described the US and Israeli strikes as “unprovoked” and “pre-planned,” calling them an act of aggression against a sovereign UN member state.
This comes just a few days after the United States met a Russian and Chinese delegation in Geneva for talks about forging a potential multilateral nuclear arms control treaty.
US-Israel strikes on Iran: Emergency UNSC meeting sought
The US has called for a new, broader arms control treaty that would bring in China as well as Russia, after the agreement limiting US and Russian missile and warhead deployments, known as New START, expired.
“Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic, and possibly radiological catastrophe,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said. China echoed those concerns, stating it was “highly concerned” about the strikes and urging an immediate halt to military actions.
“Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” China’s Foreign Ministry said, calling for de-escalation and a return to dialogue to uphold stability in West Asia.
Diplomats say the UNSC meeting will focus on preventing further escalation, safeguarding regional security and reviving stalled diplomatic channels.
How has UN reacted to Iran strikes?
UN Secretary General António Guterres has condemned the “military escalation in the Middle East” saying, “The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security.”
He stated all Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the UN, which clearly prohibits “the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table,” Guterres noted.
What triggered the latest Iran crisis?
The diplomatic showdown follows coordinated US and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and strategic infrastructure. Washington and Tel Aviv have framed the operation as aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and deterring further destabilising activities. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting sites linked to US and allied interests in the region.
In doing so, Iran targetted several US military bases in multiple Gulf states, with loud explosions being heard across Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE. The confrontation has raised alarms over the safety of critical energy corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, and sparked disruptions in regional airspace.
Iran crisis: Where do European powers stand?
Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the E3, issued a joint statement distancing themselves from the strikes while emphasising diplomatic engagement. The three nations, which have long led negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, did not directly comment on the strikes against Iran but condemned Tehran’s retaliatory attacks in the region.
“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes,” the statement said. The European countries called for an immediate resumption of negotiations and urged Iran’s leadership to pursue a diplomatic solution.
French President Emmanuel Macron separately called for an emergency UNSC session, underscoring Europe’s concern that the crisis could derail efforts to revive nuclear diplomacy.
How are Gulf states responding?
Several Gulf nations have strongly condemned Iran’s retaliatory actions. Saudi Arabia denounced what it described as “Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan,” expressing solidarity with affected states.
In a notable development, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the situation. The conversation marked their first direct engagement in months after bilateral tensions had cooled relations late last year.
