Tehran condemns US veto of UN Gaza resolution, claiming it grants ‘israel’ a green light for further actions
Iran has expressed strong disapproval over the United States' decision to veto a United Nations resolution advocating for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Iranian government labeled the U.S. action as "disgraceful," suggesting it effectively grants the Tel Aviv administration a "license" to continue its aggressive military campaigns in the region.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, issued a statement on Thursday through a post on X, following the United States’ decision to veto a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council. The resolution, which garnered support from 14 of the 15 council members, was subsequently halted by the US action.
He criticized the veto as a significant failure of the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its mandate, arguing that it effectively grants a U.S.-endorsed license for the occupying regime to persist in its actions in Gaza and Lebanon without facing consequences.
“This constitutes a clear breach of the established International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principle of ‘respect and ensure respect,’ alongside violations of the Genocide Convention. Furthermore, it implicates the United States in international accountability for complicity in atrocity crimes.”
The proposal submitted to the United Nations Security Council by its ten non-permanent members called for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza. It also urged for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all individuals held captive within the blockaded Palestinian region.
The resolution failed to pass as the United States exercised its veto power for the fourth time during the Gaza conflict, protecting its ally, Israel.
Baghaei stated that the decision highlighted Washington’s disregard for the lives of innocent Palestinians and its involvement in their suffering.
He stated that despite widespread international support and the backing of 14 United Nations Security Council members for a ceasefire in Gaza, the outgoing Democratic administration in the United States vetoed the draft resolution. This action, he claimed, demonstrates the administration’s disregard for innocent lives and regional stability, while also highlighting its ongoing complicity over the past 13 months in what he described as Israel’s genocide.
Since the beginning of October 2023, Israel has launched an intense military campaign on two fronts, resulting in the deaths of at least 43,985 individuals in the Gaza Strip and 3,558 in Lebanon, according to recent reports.
Israel’s military operations have resulted in near-total displacement within Gaza and have affected over 20% of the population in Lebanon.
