Russia and China condemn Israeli 'violations of Iran’s sovereignty' at emergency UNSC meeting

During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) late on Friday, China and Russia condemned Israel for striking Iran and calling for an immediate end to Israel’s Operation Rising Lion.

China condemned what it claimed were Israeli “violations of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”

“China opposes the intensification of contradictions and the expansion of conflicts, and is deeply concerned about the consequences that may be brought about by Israel's actions,” China's UN Ambassador Fu Cong said, adding that China was concerned about the “negative impact of the current developments on diplomatic negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue.”

Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya alleged that Israel, through its actions, “was pushing the region to a large-scale nuclear catastrophe.”

“This completely unprovoked attack, no matter what Israel says to the contrary, is a gross violation of the UN Charter and international law,” he said, expressing Russia’s “strong condemnation” of the strikes.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon said that the situation was a direct result of the UNSC's failure to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“Israel did not act recklessly – we waited,” Danon said. “This was an act of national preservation. It was one we undertook alone, not because we wanted to, but because we were left no other option.”

Meanwhile, EU leaders urged “de-escalation” and expressed “alarm” at the current situation.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen urged “maximum restraint” and “immediate de-escalation.”

“Europe urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately and refrain from retaliation,” Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, stated. “A diplomatic resolution is now more urgent than ever, for the sake of the region's stability and global security.”

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas described the situation as “dangerous” and said that “diplomacy remains the best path forward.”

Echoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said on Friday that the Israeli attacks “serve no one,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also called for “immediate de-escalation.”

“Alarming attacks in the Middle East,” Schoof said. “The Netherlands calls on all parties to remain calm and to refrain from further attacks and retaliation. In the interest of stability in the region, immediate de-escalation is necessary.”

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement on 𝕏 calling for de-escalation as well.

“France has repeatedly condemned Iran’s ongoing nuclear program and has taken all appropriate diplomatic measures in response. In this context, France reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security. To avoid jeopardizing the stability of the entire region, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate,” he wrote.  “France stands ready to work with all its partners to push for de-escalation in the Near and Middle East.”

A few hours later, Macron published a televised statement in support of Gaza, accompanied by the words: “These past hours should not distract us from the urgent need to establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. A life is a life. No double standards.”