This handout satellite picture provided by Planet Labs PBC shows the Khojir Motor Casting Facility in Iran on October 26, 2024. (Photo by Planet Labs PBC / Agence France-Presse)
UNITED NATIONS, United States — Israel and Iran accused each other Monday of endangering Middle East peace, in a heated exchange at a UN meeting called after Israel attacked Iranian military targets.
On Saturday, Israel carried out air strikes on military sites in Iran in response to Tehran’s October 1 missile barrage on Israel. The latter was in retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.
Article continues after this advertisementAt a meeting of the UN Security Council, which Iran requested, each country asserted its right to self-defense.
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION Human trafficking rap filed vs. Harry Roque, 2 others GLOBALNATION Persons of interest identified in Zamboanga abduction of US Citizen GLOBALNATION What if Donald Trump loses?“Israeli aggression against Iran is obvious and does not occur in isolation. This aggressive attack is part of a broader, sustained pattern of aggression and unchecked impunity with which Israel continues to destabilize the entire region,” Iran’s ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the council.
Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, attends a meeting at the United Nations Security Council on October 28, 2024, in New York City. The meeting comes following Israel’s retaliatory attack on Iran. Spencer Platt/Getty Images/Agence France-Presse
READ: Iran says not seeking war with Israel, vows response to strikes
Article continues after this advertisementHe added that Israel’s “persistent and systematic violation of international law,” and military engagements in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen should spark “unequivocal condemnation” by the council.
Article continues after this advertisementThe ambassador repeated Iran’s threat to retaliate after Israel’s weekend air strikes, but said Tehran preferred diplomacy.
Article continues after this advertisementIsraeli ambassador Danny Danon said his country had defended itself after the October 1 missile attacks by Iran.
“We promised that their actions would not go unanswered,” said Danon.
Article continues after this advertisement“Iran has seeded violence, chaos and destruction throughout the Middle East. But this violence is not limited to Israel’s borders. It threatens regional stability, global security and economic stability,” the ambassador said.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon speaks at the United Nations (UN) before a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on October 28, 2024, in New York City. The meeting comes following Israel’s retaliatory attack on Iran. Spencer Platt/Getty Images/Agence France-Presse
READ: Iran warns will defend itself after Israeli strikes
“Today, it is us. It is Israel in their crossroads. But tomorrow, it could be any of the nations represented here. Don’t be mistaken,” Danon said, calling for strong sanctions against Iran, especially to keep it from developing nuclear weapons.
The United States defended its ally Israel.
“Our message for Iran remains clear, as well: should it choose to undertake further aggressive acts against Israel or US personnel in the region, there will be severe consequences,” US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the meeting.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
“We will not hesitate to act in self defense,” she saidvoslot, adding however that the United States wants to avoid escalation.
READ NEXT Israel and Iran trade charges of endangering Middle East peace Ukraine: Russian bombing hits emblematic Soviet skyscraper EDITORS' PICK Teachers get legal aid under DepEd-IBP deal 6 more tropical cyclones expected to enter PAR this year Persons of interest identified in Zamboanga abduction of US Citizen Roque included in trafficking raps tied to raided Pogo Leon intensifies further, signal no. 1 up in Luzon, Visayas areas Duterte admits to having 'death squad,' later insists it’s not one MOST READ Tiñga questions increase in Taguig council seats at SC Leon may turn into typhoon; Signal No. 1 over parts of Luzon, Visayas House committee chair cites 2 possible grounds for Sara impeachment Duterte tells Senate: I have a death squad Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments