Image Source: PBS
World – The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session to address the escalating tensions in the Middle East after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi formally requested the meeting through letters addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council President, calling for action against Israel’s “severe violations and unlawful actions” and urging accountability for the “criminal regime.”
The airstrikes carried out on Saturday hit multiple military sites across three provinces in Iran, leading to the death of four Iranian military officers.
Israeli officials have praised the strikes as “precise and powerful,” claiming they successfully achieved their objectives. Araghchi countered by noting that Iran’s air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles, preventing a higher death toll.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns these deliberate acts of aggression by the Zionist regime in the strongest terms.”
“Israel’s unlawful attacks violate the foundational principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2, Paragraph 4, which strictly prohibits the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state.”
“The Israeli regime’s actions constitute a grave threat to international peace and security and further destabilise an already fragile region.”
While Western leaders have called for restraint and de-escalation, backing Israel and urging Iran to hold back, Araghchi firmly asserted Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law. He stressed that Iran would decide when and how to respond, in line with the principles outlined in the UN Charter.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in alignment with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and under international law, reserves its inherent right to legal and legitimate response to these criminal attacks at the appropriate time.”
SMread| SA to file memorial at ICJ
South African Condemnation for the Attacks
In response to the weekend’s attacks, the South African government, alongside several Middle Eastern nations, condemned Israel’s actions against Iran, describing them as a deliberate provocation intended to spark further conflict in the region. South Africa stressed that such acts of military aggression are unacceptable and constitute a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.
The statement also expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crises in the region, pointing to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the annexation of the West Bank, and the relentless bombardment of Lebanon as key factors fueling instability.
“South Africa remains steadfast in its call for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian assistance, an end to the continuing occupation, the destruction of infrastructure, and the collective punishment of Palestinians. South Africa once more calls for the immediate implementation of UNSC Resolution 2735 (2024).”
“The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has stressed, “We call for an immediate end to this devastating war that has seen many killed and for urgent humanitarian support for civilians in Gaza.”
The statement particularly denounces Israel’s recent strikes on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Northern Gaza and the arrest of 44 medical staff. It highlights that these actions, along with the deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities in Gaza, breach international humanitarian law.
“South Africa calls for an urgent end to Israel’s intensive airstrikes, drone strikes, shelling and heavy fighting. With the exception of limited water and food distributions, there is a near total lack of humanitarian aid reaching Northern Gaza, and aid missions to the area have so far been denied by Israel.”