United Nations, June 23
The US and Iran exchanged sharp accusations at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday (Indian time), following US military strikes on three of Iran's major nuclear facilities, an operation that has drawn global attention and concern over the potential for broader conflict.
Addressing the Council a day after US President Donald Trump confirmed American forces struck the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites, acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Camille Shea, said that the strikes were aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and ending the nuclear threat posed by what she called the "world's foremost state sponsor of terror".
"This operation sought to eliminate a longstanding but rapidly escalating source of global insecurity and to aid our ally Israel in our inherent right of collective self-defence consistent with the UN Charter," she added.
Shea accused Iran of long obstructing transparency in its nuclear activities, saying it has "stonewalled good-faith efforts" in recent negotiations.
"For 40 years, the Iranian government has called for 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' and posed a constant menace to the peace and security of its neighbours, the US, and the entire world," she added.
Shea warned Tehran against further escalation, saying, "As President Trump said, any Iranian attack -- direct or indirect -- against Americans or American bases will be met with devastating retaliation."