Iran responds to US veto on Gaza ceasefire: "Complicity in genocide"

The United States has effectively given Israel a green light to continue its actions in Gaza and Lebanon by exercising its veto power in the UN Security Council (UNSC) during votes on a resolution proposing a ceasefire in the region, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.

"The US has actually given Israel a licence to continue killing in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. <...> This all entails responsibility for complicity in committing grave crimes, which will be imposed on the US," Baghaei stated on X (formerly Twitter), Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Baghaei further criticized the UNSC for its failure to carry out its duties, noting, "Despite the international community's insistence on stopping the genocide [in the Gaza Strip] and the support of 14 countries for the draft ceasefire resolution, the Democrat government in the US prevented the adoption of the resolution <...>, showing complete contempt for the innocently killed souls and the value of lasting peace in the [Middle East] region."

However, earlier Baghaei emphasized that relations between Iran and the US should not be viewed in short-term terms. He explained that Tehran would adjust its foreign policy according to changes in the US administration, particularly when asked about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

"US-Iran relations should not be seen in a sectional way, in some short period of time or as something dependent on one person, government or party. A historical context is necessary. If we are talking about the future, we will adjust our future policies according to the approach of the opposing party. We will determine what to do and what not to do," Baghaei stated during a press conference.

On November 20, the US blocked a resolution put forward by the ten non-permanent members of the UNSC, which called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. This marks the fifth time since October 2023 that Washington has vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate halt to hostilities in the region. The US has also opposed Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.

The conflict in the Middle East escalated sharply on October 7, 2023 when Hamas militants from Gaza infiltrated Israeli territory, killing residents of border communities and taking more than 240 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas's political and military structures and freeing the hostages. The fighting in Gaza continues to this day.

By Tamilla Hasanova