In a heated exchange at a U.N. Security Council meeting, Russia and the United States clashed over the recent military actions taken by the U.S. in Iraq and Syria. Russia, a close ally of Syria, accused the U.S. of aggression aimed at preserving its global dominance and improving the Biden administration's image ahead of the upcoming U.S. elections. The U.S., on the other hand, defended its military response to attacks by Iranian-backed proxies against American forces, emphasizing that it was both legal and necessary.
During the meeting, concerns were also raised about the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, with many council members urging de-escalation and increased peace efforts in the region. Both Russia and Syria expressed their desire to avoid further escalation and spillover of the Israel-Hamas war.
Russia's U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the U.S. of violating international law and creating chaos and destruction in the Middle East. He argued that the U.S. and its allies' actions were undermining international peace efforts and called on all countries to condemn these 'senseless acts' that violated the sovereignty of Iraq and Syria. Nebenzia also claimed that the U.S. was attempting to salvage the current American administration's image in light of the upcoming presidential pre-election campaign.
Responding to these accusations, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood asserted that the United States has an absolute right to self-defense against attacks on its forces. He pointed out that Iranian-backed militias had attacked U.S. and coalition forces over 165 times since October 2021 in Iraq, Syria, and even Jordan. Wood emphasized that the U.S. actions were necessary and proportionate, aimed at protecting American personnel. He also called on other council members, especially those with direct channels to Iran, to press Iranian leaders to rein in their proxies and put an end to these attacks.
Iran's U.N. Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, countered the allegations and insisted that the resistance groups in the region were independent. He argued that these groups were exercising their legitimate rights to oppose the presence of the U.S. in Iraq and Syria, to end the killings in Gaza, and to challenge Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. Iravani rejected the notion that Iran was responsible for the actions of these groups and criticized attempts to shift attention away from the U.S.'s aggressive actions.
Amidst the verbal sparring, U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo provided a briefing, urging all parties involved to step back from the brink and consider the devastating human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict. She reiterated Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and emphasized the need for a political roadmap to peace in the region.
China's U.N. Ambassador, Zhang Jun, echoed these concerns and pointed a finger at the United States, claiming that its military actions were fueling turmoil and intensifying tensions in the Middle East. Algeria's U.N. Ambassador, Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, defended the sovereignty of Iraq and Syria and warned that the U.S. airstrikes could further exacerbate the already precarious situation. He emphasized the importance of restraint and de-escalation, asserting that force would never be the means for peace and stability.
As tensions between these nations continue to rise, the international community is urged to prioritize peaceful solutions and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation and damage to the region. The situation emphasizes the crucial role the United Nations plays in promoting diplomacy and finding common ground among nations with conflicting interests.
