New York: The UN Security Council convened urgently at Tehran's behest to deliberate on the recent US military strikes targeting three of Iran's nuclear facilities. In response, Russia, China, and Pakistan circulated a draft resolution urging an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the region.

According to France24.com, the meeting of the 15-member council came after the US launched significant strikes on Iran, with President Donald Trump declaring the obliteration of key nuclear sites in collaboration with Israel. This marks one of the most substantial Western military actions against Iran since the nation's 1979 revolution.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the necessity for prompt and decisive action to halt the hostilities and resume meaningful negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, the world awaited Iran's reaction to the developments.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), briefed the council on the current situation. Despite visible craters at the Fordow enrichment site, Grossi noted that neither the IAEA nor any other entity could accurately assess the underground damage. He reported that entrances to tunnels at the Isfahan nuclear complex were targeted, and the Natanz fuel enrichment plant faced another strike. However, Iran assured the IAEA that there was no increase in off-site radiation levels at the affected locations.

Iran's UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, called the US actions a blatant and unlawful aggression, urging the Security Council to condemn it vehemently. He accused the United States of employing illegal force under a fabricated pretext to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

On the other hand, Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed that the US and Israel deserved appreciation for their efforts to enhance global security, dismissing any notions of condemnation. Danon clarified that any decision on regime change in Iran should be left to its citizens, not external forces.