UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on assassination of Hamas leader in Tehran

On the night of August 1, the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting in New York at Iran's request following the assassination of Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

The meeting was chaired by Russia's deputy UN envoy Dmitry Polyansky, as Russia currently holds the Security Council's presidency, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Representatives from Syria, Iraq, and Palestine were invited to attend, reflecting the grave concerns over potential regional escalation.

The session occurred amidst fears of a major regional war, with calls for intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict. China, Russia, Algeria, and other nations condemned the assassination, which Iran's envoy characterized as an act of terrorism. However, the US, UK, and France highlighted Iran's role in supporting destabilizing regional actors.

US Permanent Representative Robert Wood called on Security Council members to "increase pressure on Iran to stop escalating its proxy conflict with Israel and other players," citing ongoing rocket attacks on Israel by the Lebanese group Hezbollah since October 8. He also noted that Iran's support for Yemeni Islamists violates UN Security Council resolutions and contradicts the Council's efforts to establish regional peace.

British Permanent Representative Barbara Woodward emphasized Israel's right to self-defence, referencing recent violence, including the attack on the Druze village of Majdal Shams, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children.

Iranian Permanent Representative Amir Saeed Iravani stressed that Tehran has shown restraint but reserves the right to respond decisively. He urged the Security Council to condemn Israel and impose sanctions against it.

In response, Israel's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Yonatan Miller, called for condemnation of Iran's support for regional terrorism and urged the Council to strengthen sanctions against Iran. "We will defend ourselves and respond powerfully to those who harm us," Miller asserted, highlighting Israel's stance on self-defence.