Security Council debates Middle East ceasefire as tensions rise

The U.N. Security Council met on Sunday after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed a resolution urging an immediate Middle East ceasefire, raising tensions over the legality and fallout of Western military action.

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, as Russia, China and Pakistan introduced a draft resolution calling for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" in the Middle East.

The resolution, circulated among the 15-member body, does not name the United States or Israel but condemns attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Diplomats said the sponsors asked members to submit comments by Monday evening. It is unclear when a vote may take place.

A resolution requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by any of the five permanent members – the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China. The U.S. is expected to oppose the text, which questions the legitimacy and impact of its military action in Iran.

"The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Addressing the council, he warned of a "rathole of retaliation after retaliation".

Guterres urged all sides to act immediately to stop the fighting and resume "serious, sustained negotiations" on Iran's nuclear programme.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that U.S. forces had "obliterated" key Iranian nuclear sites, joining Israeli forces in the most significant Western military campaign against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.

The strikes targeted Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said damage was visible at all three sites, including tunnel entrances at Isfahan and the mountain facility at Fordow.

However, he added that "no one, including the IAEA, is in a position to assess the underground damage" yet. Iran informed the agency that off-site radiation levels remain unchanged.

Iran formally requested the Security Council meeting, calling on the body "to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms".

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said in a statement that the U.S. and Israel "do not deserve any condemnation, but rather an expression of appreciation and gratitude for making the world a safer place". Speaking to reporters, he added: "That's for the Iranian people to decide, not for us", when asked whether Israel was seeking regime change.

The international community now awaits Iran's response amid growing concern of further escalation in the region.

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