At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emergency meeting called by Iran, the United States and Israel strongly defended their recent strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites.

These actions have sparked varying responses from other UN member states, as tensions escalate.

The US representative to the UNSC, Dorothy Shea, emphasized that the decision to act was necessary for national security, stating that the Iranian regime cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.

Israel's envoy praised the targeted strikes, warning of the dangers posed by a nuclear-armed Iran to both his country and the world at large.

The US military's involvement follows weeks of Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s air defenses and missile capabilities as well as its nuclear enrichment facilities.

In response to the recent attacks, Iran has vowed retaliation but has yet to specify the nature, timing, or scale of its counteractions.

Russia and China have condemned the US military action, proposing that the UNSC adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.

However, passing such a resolution would require nine affirmative votes without veto from any of the five permanent members: the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, or China.

In his address to the council, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to seek a peaceful solution through diplomacy and negotiation.

He stressed that escalating violence could lead to wider conflict while de-escalation and dialogue offer a path towards peace.