Iran directly accused Washington of complicity in Israeli military strikes during a tense UN Security Council session on Friday. However, the United States firmly rejected these serious allegations against its actions, urging Tehran to resume crucial nuclear program negotiations immediately. Furthermore, US officials emphasized that diplomacy remains the best path forward for all parties involved.
Retaliatory Strikes Trigger UN Confrontation
Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel late Friday, responding to Tel Aviv’s earlier attacks against Iranian targets that same day.
Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, claimed that Iran had been “preparing for war.” He characterized Israel’s strikes as “an act of national preservation,” justifying the military response. However, his Iranian counterpart, Amir Saeid Iravani, accused Tel Aviv of attempting “to kill diplomacy” and sabotage negotiations, asserting that Washington’s complicity in these actions is “beyond doubt.” Iravani stated, “Those who support this regime, with the United States at the forefront, must understand that they are complicit.”
Ultimatum and Uncertain Negotiations
US President Donald Trump announced a 60-day ultimatum for Tehran, which expired on Thursday, to reach a deal regarding its uranium enrichment program. A sixth round of US-Iran talks was scheduled for Sunday in Oman, but uncertainty looms over its continuation.
Danon stated that Israel had exercised patience despite escalating risks, noting, “We waited for diplomacy to work.” However, he criticized Iran for making false concessions and refusing fundamental conditions during negotiations.
Senior US official McCoy Pitt reiterated that the United States will continue seeking a diplomatic resolution which aims to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon or poses a threat to stability in the Middle East. Pitt advised Iran’s leadership to negotiate wisely at this critical time.
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi informed the Security Council that the strikes destroyed the above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site. Additionally, Iran reported that its nuclear sites at Fordow and Isfahan also suffered attacks, further complicating the already tense situation in the region.
