UN Security Council condemns US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites but avoids naming Washington - Region
The United Nations Security Council has condemned US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, warning they pose a 'grave threat' to international peace and security and undermine the global nuclear safeguards regime – but stopped short of naming the United States.
In a statement issued after an emergency session requested by Iran, the Council said it 'condemns in the strongest terms the attacks against peaceful nuclear sites and facilities under the IAEA safeguards in the Islamic Republic of Iran,' calling them a serious threat to the International Atomic Energy Agency's oversight system.
The move follows US bombings of Iran's Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites amid rising regional tensions over the Israel–Iran war. It marks the Council's third meeting since Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory on 13 June.
The Council cited Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. It also recalled Resolution 487, adopted in 1981 after Israel bombed Iraq's Osirak reactor, claiming the strike was a pre-emptive move to prevent Iraq from developing nuclear weapons.
It called for an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' and urged all parties to avoid further escalation. The Council also stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and reminded all sides of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
On the nuclear issue, it urged a diplomatic agreement 'acceptable to all parties' that guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of multilateral and unilateral sanctions.
The UN secretary general has been asked to report back within seven days on implementation and developments on the ground. The Council said it would remain 'actively seized' of the matter.
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