Washington: At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Iran openly accused the United States of aiding and abetting Israel’s military aggression, claiming Washington bears direct responsibility for the escalating conflict. The U.S. firmly rejected the charge, urging Tehran instead to return to nuclear negotiations.
Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, did not mince words. “Israel is trying to destroy diplomacy, derail negotiations, and plunge the region into deeper chaos,” he declared. “And those who support this regime—led by the United States—must realize they are complicit in every consequence.”
The accusations came just hours after Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israel, following Israel's unprecedented assault earlier in the day targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Iravani said the evidence of U.S. complicity was “undeniable.”
Washington dismissed the allegations. U.S. representative McCoy Pitt told the Council that although the U.S. was notified in advance of Israel’s operations, it had no direct military role. He emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to a diplomatic solution aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “Iran’s leadership would be wise to re-engage in dialogue,” Pitt advised.
Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon defended his country's actions as necessary for national survival. He accused Iran of "arming for war" and stated that Israel had exercised restraint for too long while Iran strung out negotiations and covertly advanced its nuclear capabilities. “We gave diplomacy a chance,” Danon said, “but Iran made hollow promises and dangerous gains.”
Adding to the gravity of the moment, U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi confirmed that Israel's strikes had destroyed the above-ground pilot enrichment facility at Natanz, while Iran reported attacks on other major nuclear sites at Fordow and Isfahan.
The future of nuclear diplomacy remains uncertain. A sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks was scheduled for Sunday in Oman, but the likelihood of that meeting proceeding now hangs in the balance. President Donald Trump earlier stated that Tehran’s deadline to reach an agreement had expired, further straining hopes of de-escalation.
With the region on edge and rhetoric at the UN turning sharply confrontational, the possibility of reviving stalled talks appears more fragile than ever.