Russia, China seek UNSC meet; UK, France call for talks
Saudi Arabia slams ‘Iran’s aggression’
Russia and China have requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the situation around Iran even as Britain, France and Germany have called for a resumption of US-Iran negotiations while condemning Tehran’s attacks on countries in the region.
Russia described the US and Israeli strikes as an “unprovoked” and “pre-planned” act of aggression against an independent UN member state and called for immediate return to diplomacy. “Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic, and possibly radiological catastrophe,” said the Russian foreign ministry. In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry said: “Highly concerned over the military strikes against Iran by the US and Israel. Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected. China calls for an immediate stop of the military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in West Asia.”
British PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a statement saying their countries didn’t take part in the strikes but were in close touch with the US, Israel and partners in the region. They did not comment on the Saturday’s attacks on Iran.
The three countries have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution over Iran’s nuclear programme.
“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution,” they said.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called for an emergency UNSC meeting.
Saudi Arabia denounced in the strongest terms “Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan” and extended its support to the brotherly countries.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman dialled UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the Iranian attacks on countries in the region. In the call, the first between the two leaders since relations soured late last year, the Saudi Crown Prince expressed solidarity with the UAE.
