US-Israel-Iran Conflict: UNSC Meeting at a Critical Juncture

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2025

UNSC Convenes After US Strikes on Iran

Tensions escalate as the UN discusses recent US military actions.

• The UNSC held an emergency session after US-led strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
• A resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire has been proposed by Russia, China, and Pakistan.
• The US defended its actions, citing the protection of its citizens and allies.

The United Nations security Council convened to address recent events. The question is: What was the immediate reaction to the US-led strikes on Iranian nuclear sites? The immediate reaction included sharp rebukes from several member states and renewed calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

Emergency session at the United Nations

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an emergency session following the US-led strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This move triggered strong reactions from various member states and spurred renewed demands for a ceasefire in the Middle East. Allies Israel and the US supported the attack.

did you know? A UNSC resolution needs nine votes and no vetoes from permanent members to pass.

Proposed Resolution and Reactions

Russia, China, and Pakistan have put forward a resolution demanding an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” according to diplomats. The proposal condemns attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, even though it does not explicitly name the United States or israel. A vote has not yet been scheduled.

Reader question:-How might the lack of explicit naming of the US or Israel in the proposed resolution affect its chances of passing in the UNSC?

UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres addressed the UNSC, cautioning that the region was “on the brink of a deadly downward spiral.”

“The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling,” Guterres said. “We now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation. We must act – instantly and decisively – to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear program.”

Did you know?-The UN Secretary-General does not have the power to veto UNSC resolutions. his role is primarily diplomatic, focused on conflict prevention and resolution.

US and Iranian Responses

Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea defended the military action, stating that washington acted to dismantle Iran’s enrichment capacity to safeguard both US citizens and allies.

“The time finally came for the United States, in defense of its ally and our own interests, to act decisively,” Shea told the chamber. “Iran should not escalate… Any iranian attack, direct or indirect, against Americans or American bases will be met with devastating retaliation.”

Iran’s ambassador, Ali Bahreini, stated that the Israeli and US attacks on Iran were the result of “politically motivated actions” by the US and its European partners, adding that the US “decided to destroy diplomacy.” He said that the Iranian military will decide on the “timing, nature and scale” of its response.

Reactions from Other Nations

israel’s UN envoy, danny Danon, said the attacks had made the world “a safer place,” rejecting calls for condemnation. Asked about regime change in Tehran, he responded, “That’s for the Iranian people to decide, not for us.”

China’s ambassador, Fu Cong, condemned the US strikes and urged restraint. “We call for an immediate ceasefire,” he said. “China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation getting out of control.”

Russia’s UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, characterized the attacks as another instance of Washington’s disregard for global norms.”The US has opened a Pandora’s box,” he said. “no one knows what catastrophe or suffering will follow.”

pakistan’s Stance

Pakistan’s ambassador, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, also condemned the US bombing. “The sharp rise in tensions and violence as a result of Israeli aggression and unlawful actions is profoundly disturbing,” he said. “Pakistan stands in solidarity with the government and brotherly people of Iran during this challenging time.”

This statement follows Pakistan’s suggestion that US President Donald Trump be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize a day prior.

IAEA Assessment

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, informed the UNSC that while the extent of underground damage remained unclear, impact craters were visible at the Fordow enrichment site.the entrances to tunnels at the isfahan site appeared to have been struck,while Natanz had been hit again.

Iran has accused Grossi of complicity in enabling the attacks by Israel and the US.

the IAEA’s Board of governors approved a resolution declaring Iran was not complying with its commitment to international nuclear safeguards the day before Israel launched its initial attack on June 13.

The Geopolitical Fallout: Beyond the UNSC

The ramifications of the US-led strikes on Iranian nuclear sites extend far beyond the emergency UNSC session. The potential for escalation in the Middle East remains high, with several regional and international actors holding a stake in the outcome. Diplomatic efforts are now critical to de-escalation.

The immediate aftermath of the strikes has exposed existing fault lines in international relations. The condemnation by Russia and China, coupled with Pakistan’s stance, highlights a growing divergence in global perspectives on the use of military force and the enforcement of international law. This divergence could further weaken the UNSC’s ability to act decisively in future crises.

Regional Dynamics: A Delicate Balance

The Middle East is no stranger to proxy wars and shifting alliances. The attacks have undoubtedly inflamed existing tensions between Iran and its regional rivals, namely Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. these nations could be drawn further into the fray, either directly or indirectly, potentially sparking secondary conflicts. Any miscalculation could quickly lead to a wider conflict.

The risk of miscalculation or unintended consequences is meaningful. A single incident,such as a cyberattack or a cross-border skirmish,could trigger a chain reaction. It could lead to a wider conflict and destabilize the entire region.

The Role of the JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal)

The Joint Thorough Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal, which restricted Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, is now in further jeopardy.The US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, followed by the attacks, has all but ensured its demise.

The future of the JCPOA is uncertain.Restoring the deal would require a return to negotiations and a willingness from all parties to compromise.

Potential for Escalation

iran’s response to the attacks remains a key concern. While Iranian officials have vowed retaliation, the specific form and timing remain unclear. Iran has several options, including:

• Attacking US or allied assets in the region.
• Supporting proxy groups in Lebanon, Iraq, or Yemen to launch attacks.
• Accelerating its nuclear program.

What are the potential consequences of the escalating situation? Further escalating the conflict could have severe economic repercussions. It could impact global oil supplies and disrupt trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Looking Ahead: A path to De-escalation

The situation demands intense diplomatic efforts. The UN, along with key international actors, must work to prevent further escalation. This could involve:

• Direct negotiations between the US and Iran.
• A renewed push for regional dialog.
• Confidence-building measures to reduce tensions.

The world is watching, hoping that cooler heads will prevail, and the threat of all-out war can be averted.