rights movement in america. that year marked the centenary of lincoln's emancipation proclamation, the assassination of president kennedy, and mississippi rights activist, and the bombing of the six street baptist church in birmingham, alabama, which killed four little girls. >> 1963 is a think is the most pivotal year of the 1960's. that year gives us both triumphs and tragedies. it is really the year that makes the 1960's the 19th 60's. civil rights insurgencies, the kennedy administration, going back-and-forth with activists like martin luther king jr. and others about what to do next, we see a right-wing insurgency, george wallace i think was one of the pivotal figures of the year and people like william f buckley and the national review are engaged in a war of ideas with james baldwin who becomes a bestseller author and a pivotal figure in the entire year.

it is really an extraordinary year. >> his book, freedom season, sunday night at 8:00 p.m. eastern on q&a. you can listen to q&a at all of our pod to -- podcasts on the app. >> c-span, democracy unfiltered. we are funded by these television companies and more, including buckeye broadband. ♪ >> buckeye broadband supports c-span as a plic service along with these other television providers, giving you a front row seat to democracy. >> the united nations security

council held an emergency meeting at the -- the request of iran, claiming the military actions constitute a threat to international peace and security. here is a look at the comments from some of the security council members. give the floor to the representative from the united states. >> thank you, madam president, and secretary general stoltenberg for your introductory remarks. under the secretary general's for your 8 -- into the secretary-general's for your briefings. we commend the iaea team for their professionalism in implementing the agency's vertical responsibilities, especially during this complex and evolving situation. colleagues, we meet at a decisive moment in the middle east, convening amid an intensifying conflict between israel and iran. it is not too late for the government of iran to do the right thing.

the president has been clear in recent days that iranian leadership must completely abandon its nuclear enrichment program and all aspirations of acquiring a nuclear weapon. the iranian government has long posed a constant menace to the peace and security of its neighbors and the entire world to come up which this counsel is charged to maintain. the iranian government has repeatedly called for the destruction of israel, and for "death to america." they have launched direct and proxy attacks on israeli civilians, including most recently on the largest hospital in southern israel, and just recently in the last couple of hours. the israeli government has also spread chaos, terror, and suffering throughout the region. iran's government has spread carrier, terror, and suffering

throughout the region. don't forget that the iranian government was an enabling and ideological material force behind the hamas deadly assault on israel in october of 20 23. it twice attacked israel last year with hundreds of ballistic missiles. the iranian government also encouraged its terrorist proxy, hezbollah, to open a northern front from lebanon, enabling rebels in yemen to become a menace to global trade and freedom of navigation, to launch long-range missiles endangering civilians in israel. in january of 2024, a drone attack from and iran backed terrorist group on a u.s. military facility in jordan killed three american service members. enough is enough. president, as the leaders from the group of seven stated

earlier this week, iran is the principal source of instability and terror in the middle east. the g7 also reaffirmed the right of israel to defend itself. while the united states was not involved in the israeli strikes, let there be no doubt that the united states continues to stand with israel and supports its actions against iran's nuclear ambitions. iranian leaders could have avoided this conflict had they agreed to a deal that would have prevented them from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. they refused to do so, choosing instead to delay and deny. we can no longer ignore that iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. all they need is a decision from there supreme leader. that is unacceptable. this counsel must urge them to change course. the government of iran has

nothing to gain by escalating their frederick towards the iaea , launching missiles at civilians, threatening neighbors , or pursuing nuclear weapons. for too long they have prioritized terrorism in their nuclear program -- and their nuclear program above the well-being of their own people. the resulting weakness is now on full display for the entire world. the iranian government must abandon its nuclear ambitions so that there is no more destruction. choose, instead, prosperity for their people. thank you, madam president. >> thank you to the representative from the united states for their statement and i give the floor to the next representative. >> thank you, madam president. we greet and thank the secretary-general of the united

nations, his excellency gutierrez, for his own and -- for his unambiguous message. during it, he urged opportunity be given to peace, saying give peace a chance. we also wish to extend our thanks to the director general of the international atomic energy agency, for those briefings. we also thank delegations here present that honor us with their presence. today's meeting is a response to the international community's appeal to urge parties involved to adopt measures aimed at de-escalating conflict. the conflict has picked up pace and that is a source of great fear. we have witnessed the regrettable staging of acts that have claimed civilian lives, including the lives of women, boys, and girls, making the

civilian population the primary victim of this conflict. the security council today once again has the duty to find mechanisms through multilateralism to craft a solution to this matter. they did just that successfully one decade ago with the implementation of resolution 2231. in recent months, we have seen several rounds of negotiations take place. the goal of these negotiations was to find a diplomatic solution to the iranian nuclear program. as was indicated by the secretary-general, diplomacy, negotiations, and dialogue are the only ways to achieve solutions. consequently, we urge all parties to heed that message from the secretary-general and resume a general -- genuine process of negotiation making it possible to move towards an agreement which is in accordance

with the norms of international law. there are no perfect agreements on negotiations, they don't exist. nevertheless, it is through serious constructive dialogue and commitment that significant progress can be made towards just and lasting solutions. moreover, we reaffirm the mandate of the international atomic energy agency as the technical body, competent technical body, charged with verifying compliance for nuclear obligations. madam president, we are witnessing a conflict in which it appears that the distinction between critical infrastructures and military targets has grown blurred. consequently, we urgently and responsibly appeal to all parties to uphold international law and international humanitarian law. it is a pivotal importance to protect and look after these

civilian populations and to guarantee respect for critical infrastructure. with this in mind, we recall that nuclear facilities must not be attacked under any circumstances. particularly those that are already under monitoring and verification from the iaea within the framework of the joint comprehensive plan of action. we cannot allow acts of this kind to become acceptable within international law. the risks to the civilian population are too great. an incident of this kind could cause the release of radioactive material, which would have grave consequences for in terms of radiological contamination. that would be a risk to people, the environment, and have an unprecedented regional impact.

at this critical juncture it is vital that this counsel take resolute, coherent action such as to ensure that this action creates credibility that in turn guarantees immediate cessation of hostilities in full respect for the principles of international law. thank you, madam president. >> thank you to the representative of panama and now i give the floor to the representative of sierra leone. >> thank you, madam president. i thank you for convening this emergency meeting of the security council on the escalating conflict between israel and iran. we think his excellency, mr. gutierrez, secretary-general of the united nations, for his powerful reminder of this counsel's's abilities, as well as the director general of the iaea and mr. carlo for their

timely and insightful comments. this request for this meeting underscores the gravity of the recently critical developments, coupled with the expectation that the council indeed its members will enable the council to discharge its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. we remain gravely alarmed by the ongoing military strikes by israel against iran, as well as the retaliatory strikes by iran. these hostilities, which began on the 10th of june, reportedly claimed the lives of senior officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians in israel and iran. something we deeply find troubling.

as we expressed grave concern regarding the attacks on iran, we are equally disturbed regarding strikes impacting civilian targets in israel, including hospitals and emergency services in densely populated areas and in clear violation of international humanitarian law. these hostilities have displaced families, damage critical infrastructure, and disrupted social services. thousands faced the urgent prospect of evacuation. it is the obligation of all parties under international law, particularly the fourth geneva convention, to protect civilians, medical personnel, and civilian objects at all times. we call for safe corridors for those seeking refuge, unimpeded humanitarian access, and course

-- close coordination with relief agencies to make sure we can provide lifesaving assistance. swift humanitarian action isn't -- indispensable but it cannot substitute for political solutions. the region needs an incredible diplomatic initiative. aligning itself with immediate de-escalation, renew dialogue, and the exercise of maximum restraint. statesmanship, not brinkmanship, is required. we are therefore fully welcoming the meeting in geneva today of the foreign ministers of the united kingdom, france, and germany. , including the iranian foreign minister and eu representative as parts of efforts to ease the conflict. we believe that this is a window

of opportunity that clearly exists for genuine dialogue and peace. we recall the binding obligations under international humanitarian law. protocol one of the geneva conventions prohibits attacks on installations containing dangerous forces, including nuclear and electrical generating stations, if the attacks could cause the release of dangerous forces resulting in civilian losses. the iaea has also consistently underscored that the safety and security of nuclear facilities must never be compromised by military action. the ongoing hostilities risk triggering a disaster of an unimaginable scale. any military action that

endangers military facilities risks severe humanitarian consequences. river -- irreversible environmental harm, with global repercussions. therefore, we emphasize the need to safeguard and allow the full and unhindered implementation of the treaty on the known proliferation of nuclear weapons , which remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament nonproliferation and peaceful uses agenda. this recalls the fragility of the international nuclear program and the urgency of protecting those forces. we call upon all states to recommit to the objectives of the entity and engage constructively in dialogue within the framework.

we have a duty to make sure that tensions do not dig in and that people do not fight through peace and security, further urging support for regional actions, including a middle east zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, wearing those exclusive diplomatic terms, historians those decisions on the addressed regional security concerns, including missile proliferation. previous but imperfect agreements show sustained engagement grounded in international law and mutual respect remains the surest path

towards doable peace. we also support the impartial, technical work of the iaea, full cooperation by all states, including iran, with the mandates to ensure transparency, build confidence, and prevent miscalculation. we commend the general for sustaining engagement under challenging circumstances. in closing, madam president, we recall the principle of sovereign economy in the charter in the duty of member states to settle by peaceful means. article 25 obliges states to accept and carry out council decisions and in article 103, establishing the importance of chatter obligation. the council must speak with one

voice in upholding the law, encouraging this full settlement. we welcome constructive efforts by regional active -- actors within the chatter -- charter. we encourage states to use that influence and support nonmilitary solutions. curse respect for international law. the human costs, environmental damage would be immense. finally, sierra leone urges all parties to pause, de-escalate, and recommit to go missing. the eyes of the world are upon us. it will measure us by the choices that we make. adherence to the charter remains the guiding principle for a safer, just world.

thank you. host: thank you to the representative from sierra leone for his statement and we move now to the representative of france. >> adam president, we have latent -- listened with most attention to the secretary-general, who forcefully reminded us of the gravity of the situation, and for this we thank him. thank you to the under secretary general for political affairs, as well as the director general of the iaea, for their briefings, which provided us with an assessment and overview of the justification for today's meeting. it is really strikes against iran have been ongoing for a week. civilian casualties are multiplying on both sides. yesterday's one of the largest israeli hospitals was struck by in iranian missiles and is really strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure, though it is unrelated to the iranian nuclear ballistic program,

information given by the director general of the i-88, this is on everyone's minds. there is a need to urgently and these military operations. they harbor grave threats to regional peace and security. france calls for restraint in de-escalation. civilian lives need to be shielded. there is a need to really embark upon the path of diplomacy. mr. secretary general stoltenberg stressed that at the heart of the matter lies the nuclear matter. the french position is clear, iran cannot and must not develop or obtain a nuclear weapon. iran gaining access to this weapon would generate a threat first and foremost to the security of israel in the entire region, which iran has been destabilizing for years by delivering its support to arm to terrorist groups. a nuclear iran would pose a direct threat to france's and

europe security interests. the threat is now highly tangible. hostages of the french state are presently being held in iran, and iran has been delivering ballistic missiles and drones to russia and are being used in the war of aggression against ukraine. france took this opportunity to reiterate our call for the immediate release of the two hostages who have been held in iran for over three years under unacceptable conditions. iran gaining access to a nuclear weapon would represent an egregious violation of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, resulting in a grave weakening of the international nonproliferation regime, which the treaty is the cornerstone, prompting other states to engage in an arms race in the region and beyond. yet iran has opted to engage in a dangerous escalation of its nuclear program, despite calls

for it to respect international commitments. iran has accumulated a uranium stockpile that exceeds the limitations set under the 2015 agreement, generating highly enriched uranium at levels that have no justification or creditable civilian justification, establishing and advancing thousands of advanced sentra feuds going beyond the limitations set in the 2015 agreement, including sites were such activities are prohibited under the agreement. the director general of the iaea in a report published in late may stated that he is not in a position to guarantee the presence of the peaceful nature of the program, and the board of governors observed in a resolution adopted on the 12th of june that iran was failing to comply with obligations and are grateful to the iaea for the unflinching efforts to shoulder oversight and inspection

activities, despite iran's obstruction. we respect the ethic of impartiality, independence, and rigorous respect for treaties and their mandate, which the iaea has once again demonstrated. the goal of the council needs to be for iran to resume cooperation with the iaea, reverting back to compliance with international obligations. the decision by iran to withdraw from the npt would be an unprecedented escalation. our responsibility vis-à-vis international law, suffering populations, and memory of the recent crisis in the middle east requires us to act. there could be no military solution to the matter. it is through negotiations that a lasting response needs to be sought in accordance to the threat posed by the nuclear program. this is alongside our british and german partners, the approach that resulted in the

adoption of the 2015 agreement, receiving support despite the u.s. withdrawal in 2018 and despite the cessation of compliance by iran in 2019. it reverted in 2020 two the dispute settlement mechanisms within the agreement and undertook a entirely diplomatic effort in 2021 and 2022 in which iran proposed a revised agreement that would facilitate the return of the u.s. to the agreement and iran would see that full implementation. they did not take these opportunities. we have continuously liaise with iran and we hope that these exchanges will bear fruit in the absence of an agreement that reflects our security interests. france alongside european participants announced a shouldering of responsibility through the provisions set out under resolution 20 to 31 of the security council, in which

france solemnly calls upon iran to finally take the chance and opportunity of a negotiated diplomatic solution. there is still time. today in geneva a meeting of the ministers and representatives at the eu and their iranian counterpart are being held to that end. as time is ticking, france together with european partners stands ready to immediately initiate diplomatic negotiations with iran to make sure that iran will never gain access to a nuclear weapon. there is a need for a robust, verifiable, sustained agreement critical to ensure that the purely peaceful nature of the iranian nuclear program is clear and concrete, tangible agreements being shouldered now to demonstrate to the international community that tehran hopes to engage up on this path for results to be achieved. thank you. >> thank you to the

representative of france and i give the floor now to the representative of the united kingdom. >> thank you. i start by thinking the secretary-general and the director general for your clear and sober briefings. the u.k. reiterates full support for the vital work of the iaea. we thank the director general and his staff for their continued professionalism, diligence, and courage in these complex circumstances. first, the united kingdom is deeply concerned by the sharp escalation we have witnessed between israel and iran over the past week. this is a dangerous moment for the entire region. further escalation is in the interest of no one. civilians must never be targeted . we deplore the loss of civilian

life and offer our condolences. all parties must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law. restraint is vital to protect further regional preservation and loss of life. united kingdom supports israel's need to protect its security and people. however, a return to diplomacy is urgent. we have pressed this with both israel and iran. i also want to be clear, the u.k. did not participate in is not participating in the israeli strikes. we have deployed assets, including jets, to the region, as a defensive and precautionary measure. second, the iranian nuclear

program is a significant concern . my prime minister has been clear, iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. the iaea reports show that the highly enriched uranium stockpile in iran has grown to alarming levels. the iranian stockpile of 60% high enriched uranium has no credible civilian justification. it is essential that iran cooperates with the iaea and bridges the trust cap that the secretary general stoltenberg spoke of. the iaea and nonproliferation treaty are key pillars of international security. for many years, the u.k. alongside e3 partners have sought a diplomatic solution to the two iranian nuclear program.

it stands and has never been more urgent. alongside colleagues and in the eu, we are engaging with the foreign minister in geneva today , using this window of opportunity to support a return to diplomacy and peaceful resolution. any further escalation, such as restricting iaea access, diverting nuclear material, or increasing the production of highly enriched uranium would intensify the threat to international peace and security posed by iran's nuclear program. third, military action cannot put an end to the iranian capabilities in terms of nuclear. we have strongly supported and continue to support diplomatic efforts to come to a deal. that is the only way to resolve

the nuclear issue for the long term. president, our objective remains stability in the middle east. diplomatic solutions are in the interests of all concerned. even now, it is not out of reach. now is the time for restraint, calm, and a return to diplomacy and dialogue. thank you. >> thank you to the representative of the united kingdom for their statement and i give the floor now to the representative of slovenia. >> thank you. secretary general stoltenberg, thank you very much for your introductory remarks. and thank you both for your updated appraisal of the situation on the ground. madam president, as we heard from the brief errs, the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly and risks pushing the region towards a

point of no return. we are deeply concerned with the israeli strikes on iran, as well as the iranian intelligence were strikes on israel. slovenia condemns this military escalation in the unnecessary loss of civilian lives. we call on both sides to respect the u.n. charter and international law, including international humanitarian law. we echo the secretary-general's urgent appeal to avoid the internationalization of the conflict, calling for both sides to de-escalate and engage in a full and unconditional cease-fire. slovenia remains concerned about the size and unclear nature of the iranian nuclear program, concerns based on the fact that the international atomic energy agency after many years still cannot confirm or deny the exclusively peaceful nature of the iranian nuclear program.

however, no amount of precision strikes will make these concerns go away. we have no tolerance for proliferation of nuclear weapons. i have poor attacks against civilian military infrastructure, in the middle east, europe, or anywhere else. issues pertaining to the iranian nuclear program have always required a tailored diplomatic solution. jcpoa was a necessity. when it expires, it will need to be replaced. this in mind, we are urging all parties to prioritize diplomacy and committed to finishing the process. we welcome the talks between de three and iran taking place today in geneva, representing the much-needed stabilizing factor. to conclude, madam president, the death and iran in recent

days are raising the stakes, escalating the fighting, inflaming rhetoric in a region that has endured its share of suffering already. our thoughts remained under siege end of the hostages who need to be released immediately and unconditionally. in such a volatile situation, it takes courage to de-escalate and agree to peace. i encourage both sides to spare each other in the middle east as a whole from further bloodshed and destruction. thank you. >> thank you to the representative for her statement and now i give the floor to the representative from greece. >> let me start by thinking the secretary-general for his very important remarks. i would also like to thank the under secretary general for the informative and timely briefings. since last friday, there has

been a significant deterioration of the situation in the middle east. this state, one moment, allow me to make these points -- utmost restraint is to end of the vicious cycle of military action. the international community must be urgently engaged to provide the necessary assurances in a sustainable source to avoid a regional or worse still global conflagration. we fully support the secretary-general's called to avoid a widening of the conflict , committing to stability and support for a sustainable cease-fire. second, greece has repeatedly expressed, and also again, it's strong concern over the iranian nuclear program, it being better to preserve the nonproliferation regime in which iran must comply

with this legally binding safeguard obligation, never allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. greece has consistently supported the rights of israel to protect itself and agree with the condemnation of the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives of civilians, damage to homes in critical infrastructure. it is now more important than ever to show the civilians must not keep finding themselves in the crossfire. we recall the obligation of member states to act in accordance with the charter for international law, considering an absolute priority, the respect for the national and humanitarian laws, as it is essential to uphold the u.n. charter in the global nonproliferation regime. madam president, in closing allow me to read the de-escalation and full and immediate cease-fire has not urgently needed.

must step in and offer a diplomatic way out to both. we are looking forward to a positive outcome of the meeting taking place in geneva today between the foreign ministers and advocates of france and germany, a representative of the european union and iran. the stakes are too high for simple security and failure is not an option. >> thank you to the representative from greece for his statement and i give the floor now to the representative from somalia. >> madam president, thank you for your timely leadership in convening this meeting. we appreciate the remarks of the secretary-general and the briefings provided on the

rapidly evolving situation in the middle east. the situation rising from reported israeli airstrikes, and the subsequent iranian response, is a matter of grave concern. these actions represent a careless escalation that is engulfing the entire region in an uncontrollable cycle of violence, suffering, and pain. we condemn any acts that violate the sovereignty and territorial u.n. member states. such actions are in contravention of the fundamental principles enshrined in the charter of the united nations.

particularly, article two and article four, which prohibit threats of the use of force against the territorial integrity and independence of any state. we believe that all member states share in these responsibilities to act in accordance with this. we emphasize that necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, adhering to the principles of good. madam president, somalia urges all parties to work towards de-escalation. to achieve a comprehensive cease-fire. and to restore calm and hope.

our delegation expresses deep concern for regional pieces in their stability. they spill over, these hostilities, and a, threatening to deepen the existing crisis. somalia reaffirms the establishment of a middle east zone all estates in the region, without exception in terms of international resolutions? we also expressed the need for

all middle eastern countries to join the treaty and the nonproliferation of weapons sticking towards the importance of her to as well as refraining from targeting nuclear facilities not far from our atomic naa agency safeguards with some resolutions or decisions. such acts constitute a violation of illicit ran up. so, civilian populations of a unit that is pretty reliable. just a kind of state, somalia calls and the only viable mate

-- >> nuclear program. >> want it's written in international waters in accordance of the that is -- international waters. there is a call for all parties to refrain under my security. and then they reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the u.n.

charter. we urge all parties to act with responsibility and wisdom. and it is important to seize this on to lead the efforts for de-escalation. finally, my delegation stands ready, especially with the community, to advance these, share those. >> i spoke to the representative >> thank you.

thank you to the secretary-general for the important introductory remarks and the undersecretary for their detailed briefings and urgent messages. with the region being dangerously close to the brink of regionwide conflict. the repeated attacks between israel and cause a great concern, posing a risk to international security. we must do our utmost to respond to this track and prevent further destabilization. together with the european union and many others, we joined a call for maximum restraint and de-escalation. we urge all parties who obliged by the obligations of the u.n. charter and international law and make sure there is protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in line

with humanitarian law. we deplore the loss of civilian lives and unacceptable attacks on civilian targets, including the recent hospice attack. furthermore, all action should be taken and the necessary restraint shown to reduce the risk of nuclear accidents. the view is clear, diplomatic engagement and a negotiated solution with the iaea playing a vital role is one of the only viable paths towards lasting peace in the region. denmark supports all diplomatic efforts to restore civility -- stability and return to the negotiating people to seek a solution to the iranian nuclear issue. we welcome the foreign ministers meeting today. madam president, we have been clear that a wrong must never be allowed to acquire a clear weapon. denmark has repeatedly expressed our concern about the escalating

nuclear trajectory of iran. the fact that the iaea is unable to provide assurances is deeply disturbing. we are further alarmed that iran is noncompliant with the nuclear loot -- the legally binding obligations as determined by the iaea board of governors. there is no prospect -- plausible reason for the iranian production and stockpiling of highly enriched uranium. we strongly urge iran to cooperate with the iaea, to return to the negotiating people secure an agreement with the international community, ensuring that iran and its nuclear activities are exclusively peaceful, an agreement that upholds the global nonproliferation norms, fostering lasting stability in the middle east and beyond. madam president, and closing let me reaffirm the urgent call for de-escalation, for all sides to

refrain from steps that could lead to serious regional consequences. in the face of mounting civilian suffering and at the risk of a spark that ignites a wider conflict, this is imperative. i thank you. thank you to the -- >> thank you . i shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of guyana. thank you, secretary general stoltenberg, for your remarks and attempts at peace. thank you both for the important updates provided. the recent updates pose immediate threats to the security and stability of a volatile region. it could stand -- extend far beyond those borders. sadly, regional and

international peace and security are under threat. diana took note of israel's letter, 17th of june of 2025 in which the council was informed of operation rising lion, and at neutralizing the existential and imminent threat from iranian nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. we took of the iranian letter from june of 2025 in which they reserved the right to self-defense towards integrity and the iranian people with vital national interests. acknowledging these letters, we urge iran and israel to urge restraint before plummeting the region into a nuclear catastrophe and urge both

parties in the u.n. charter and security council resolutions. we emphasize that a state right to self-defense does not absolve them of their responsibilities and obligations on international law, including human rights and international law. colleagues, the middle east has long endured a fragile stability , constantly threatened by geopolitical tensions and unresolved conflicts. as the war in gaza continues, this new escalation threatens to shatter the delicate balance around a wider conflagration with unimaginable consequences, risking drawing in more actors, further entrenching cycles of violence and making a peaceful resolution increasingly elusive. like the secretary-general, guyana firmly believes that dialogue, diplomacy, and

adherence to international law are the only pathways to sustainable peace in the region. we call on all parties to immediately cease activities, de-escalate tensions, and return to the path of diplomacy. the root causes of this escalation must be addressed with urgency and the parties must work towards a comprehensive and lasting political solution that restricts the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region. colleagues, diana is also concerned about the possible humanitarian consequences and reiterate calls for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, particularly proportionality and precaution and ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. media reports indicate over 200 people have already been killed in iran, 24 in israel as a

result of escalation. it is important to ensure that more civilian lives are not lost. finally, guyana takes a positive view of the meeting today. we also reaffirm our commitment to supporting any security council measure aimed at preserving international peace and security. thank you. i resume my function as president of the security council and i now give the floor to the representative of the islamic republic of iran. >> in the name of the merciful, we express our sincere appreciation to you, madam president, for convening this meeting at our request. thank you to the secretary-general and his introductory remarks.

thank you to algeria, pakistan, china, and the russian federation for supporting this meeting and for the clear condemnation of israel. madam president, civilian cities, including to run, the strikes were targeted, killing officials, doctors, artists, and ordinary civilians, including women and children. many died in their sleep. these children, killed in their bed.

hundreds of civilians have been killed, thousands in jail. and in the society building with medical ambulances, only a few in gross violation of humanitarian law. at least two pregnant women and their unborn children were killed the same day that israel struck in a live broadcast, killing journalists and humanitarian workers. just today, the israeli regime d damage to two other hospitals, endangering the lives of

patients and medical personnel. up until now i've hospitals -- five hospitals have suffered including humanitarian personnel who have been killed or injured. this was not an accident, they were not collaborative will -- collateral damage they were crimes and an example of barbaric warfare. madam president, excellences and colleagues, they also attacked a safeguard nuclear site and facilities and they struck the iranian containment facility and fabrication plant. on 18 plant -- on the 18th of june they attacked sites under iea monitoring. they attacked the heavy water

reactor under iea safeguard with no risk. these attacks are against the u.n. charter, international law, i.e. a statute and resolution 2231 and 487. the israeli strikes are an assault on the global non-confronted -- regime and it states that any military attack on the safeguarded nuclear facilities is an attack on the entire iea safeguard system itself. and the security council must implement a resolution. if the council fails to act now, it will send a message that international law and resolution apply selectively.

if this collapse, this counsel will share responsibility with the israeli regime. madam president, despite iran's repeated warning about the sites and nuclear facilities, the director general has failed to act. it undermines the agency's authority and culpability. the iea cannot remain silent while safeguard facilities are attacked. this inaction must end. israel declared that it will continue these strikes for as many days as it takes. we are told -- we are alarmed by credible reports that the united states as a depository might be joining the war and it will undermine global security. the selective indication of the

law by u.s. and france using it when convenient and discarding it when it constrains their allies as a form of institutional hypocrisy that gravely undermines this counsel and international law. let me be clear, iran is peaceful and under the most inspections, we have advocated a nuclear free zone and israel is the only possessor of undeclared nuclear weapons in the region. it has refused to exceed and blocked the disarmament. madam president, we are awaiting the um charter which has the basic prohibition of the use of force against sovereignty and territorial integrity. and against international human rights laws.

and also civilians and the right of life and security of our people. this regime committed crimes, crimes against humanity and state terrorism. it attacked safeguarded nuclear facilities setting a dangerous precedent for global security. madam president, the already dire situation has been exacerbated by refuting the involvement of the united states in this illegal war of aggression. the u.s. has publicly threatened to strike iran safeguard nuclear facilities such acts constitute a frequent violation of article 2 of the u.n. charter and a breach of the sovereign equality of the states. these reckless statements and actions emanate from the head of state, who is a permanent member of this counsel and entrusted

with primary responsibility for international peace and security. and is acting with irresponsible behavior. iran exercised its inherent right to self-defense under article 51 of the u.n. charter. we have complied fully with international law, including humanitarian law. we have taken all necessary precautions to protect civilians and we will continue to exercise this right as long as the security council fails to do scott -- just charge it primary responsibility and until israel aggression is terminated. the security council must ask now. we call on the security council to determine the israeli illegal use and force against iran are a

breach of peace and end -- adopt binding enforcement measures to halt this and prevent its occurrence, and contempt -- condemn the torry dague -- the targeting of the safeguarded nuclear facilities and address the unlawful involvement of a third country. madam president, the lives used by the representative of the israeli regime do not work anymore to whitewash and justify its horrendous crimes. international law is clear. there is no right for israel to commit these acts of aggression and no right to attack and target civilians, civilian infrastructure or safeguard nuclear facility. no legal or moral cover for the crimes, the so-called preemptive

attacks and the claims used by this regime and its allies to justify aggression have no basis in international law and to conduct these acts of aggression and ignore the territorial integrity of the states. this is a false excuse for israeli aggression. iran has never initiated any war while israel has a long and dark history of an illegal use of force. the ignoring of all international norms, assassination and nuclear secrets e. the select use of international law shows in dangerous state -- shows dangerous standards and they undermined the credibility of this body. without the support and protection of certain states,

especially the united states, israel would not have been able to commit this aggression with such impunity. this complicity must be recorded by history. finally, the council's favor -- failure to act would constitute a profound application of the council's responsibilities and a great a trail of fundamental principles of the united nations. this action will in -- undermine international law and send a message of dangerous impunity to the world. thank you. >> i thank the representative for the statement and i give the floor to the representative of israel. >> madam president, i would like to thank you for your remarks.

madam president, before i begin my remarks, i must address the representative is the islamic regime in iran. how dare you. how dare you. write five letters in the last week. come before the council, demand a session, and ask the international community for sympathy. how dare you, ask the international community to protect you from the consequences of your own genocidal agenda. have you no shame? for years, your supreme leader, the ayatollah, has publicly and repeatedly called for the wrist -- destruction of israel and the united states? in may 2024 we recorded the divine promise to eliminate the

zionist entity would be prefilled. in may, 2025 he said and i quote, "the zionist regime that is a cancerous tumor should certainly be eradicated, and it will be. these statements are your regime's policies. your government has attempted the assassination of prime minister nested -- netanyahu and president trump. your operatives have plotted to attack jewish communities and kill israeli civilians across the world. now, now with innocent blood still dripping from your hands, you come here asking for sympathy. you demand protection from this

counsel while plotting the extermination of my people. it is enough. enough with the performances. enough with the theater. how can this counsel allow the representative of the regime that funds, arms and orca states terrorist across the world to come here and play victim? it is like a wolf, complaining when the shepherd fights back to protect his flock. so innocent. please clarify to us. do you support the destruction of israel and are you a member state? do you support the assassination of other elected leaders? if you do not say so, we are all here waiting.

this counsel should put an end to this charade, once and for all. you are not a victim. you are not even a diplomat. you are a wolf pretending to be a diplomat. and we are done pretending otherwise. madam president, on wednesday nights, iran launched a ballistic missile directly at the hospital. you mentioned that we attacked hospitals. i ask you to provide a list of the hospitals that israel attacked in iran. we know what we are doing. if we attacked hospitals, show us the locations, the names, and the lists. iran launched a ballistic

missile directly at the hospital. the largest hospital in southern israel. it was struck by a precision guided missiles fired by the islamic republic of iran. this serves over one million people, jews, muslims, christian, bedouin, it is a provider of emergency and trauma care. there were no military bases around. no mistakes. leaving those one million people with severely reduced access to medical services. this was not a misfire. this was not a mistake. iran proved its ability to strike strategic targets with accuracy. this was a deliberate act, and

blatant violation of international law, a war crime. an attempt to murder the most vulnerable. let this counsel understand what this missile signified. that no one is safe. that if iran will target a hospital with a ballistic missile, it will target anyone, anywhere, with anything that they have. today it was bersheba, tomorrow it could be brussels. soon, it could be boston. iran is rapidly expanding its ballistic missile arsenal. today its longest range missiles could travel over 2000 kilometers. that already puts eastern europe in range. but iran is not stopping there. it is developing missiles with a range of over 4000 kilometers. that would place every european capital, london, paris, berlin,

rome, within striking distance. and when that is done, what comes next, new york, washington, the entire east coast of the u.s.. both israel took action, that reality was approaching faster than you can imagine. council members, do you believe that such a regime will hesitate to threaten entire populations with nuclear missiles? is there any guarantee, especially a regime that would chance -- that would chant death to america, death to england, death to israel and so many others, because that is where the world's head -- the war is heading and israel is stopping it. iran has already enriched uranium to near weapons grade

levels. we saw the reports. it has built deep underground facilities designed to survive bunker bombs and advanced delivery systems and it has lied to the iaea and the world at every step. there must finally be an acknowledgment that there is no greater threat to international peace and security then nuclear iran. the strike of our hospital should end any illusion that this threat is theoretical. they are not just building the capability but using it. we will never allow those capabilities to go nuclear. while the ayatollah shouts death to america and death to israel, many dismiss the threat. while iranian missiles fly, the u.n. urchins -- urges restraint to de-escalation while ignoring

nuclear ambitions altogether. that weakness and detachment from reality and hypocrisy would allow -- is what allowed iran to get as far in the nuclear program as it did. it has allowed iran to sow chaos across the world. the iranian regime has exported thousands of bombs that has killed many for zillion -- civilians. it has armed hezbollah and hamas. and the houthis, shiite militias, extremist groups and criminal networks in latin america and europe. it is a war machine, stretched all around the world. its reach is not limited by borders or its hate limited by

reason and ambition not limited by geography. we have already seen the consequences. there were attacks in argentina. iranian agents uncovered in european capitals. proxy missile strikes on gulf states. this is iran's vision for the world and happening real time. right now israel is the focus to -- focus point for that murderous vision. yesterday, iran launched another ballistic missile. this time carrying cluster munitions. they are -- it was aimed at a densely populated civilian area. cluster munitions are designed to spread multiple explosions over a wide area. they deliberately fired these munitions at civilians. iran's intentions could not be

clearer, bloody murder. 29 civilians have been killed and almost 900 wounded by iranian missiles. the only reason the number is not higher is because of israel's advanced offensive capabilities. so yes, israel acted because we underground -- because we understand the cost of waiting. we will not wait for another threat whether it is rockets, missiles or an atomic bomb. israel acted as a last resort. this was the final window of opportunity to prevent iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and it came only after diplomacy had been exhausted. israel cannot and will not accept the situation. operation lion was launched to recognize an imminent threat and we are doing so in full compliance with international

law. israel is strictly following the law of armed conflict including the rules of distinction, proportionality and precautions and attacks. that is why i am waiting for the report about the hospitals. our strikes are aimed at military objectives based on reliable intelligence. every measure is taken to minimize harm to civilians. iran launches indiscriminate and barbaric missile attacks and they deliberately target population centers. this is the difference between a democracy acting in defense of its people and a brutal regime targeting civilians. colleagues, it is the israeli civilians running for shelter every day. but something many of you still do not seem to understand is that when israel asked we are

not only defending our people but defending yours. as the german chancellor said, and i quote "israel is doing the world's dirty work." we are the first target, but we will not be the last. we are holding the line between civilization and genocidal jihadist imperialism. iran wants to remake the world order, one missile and terror proxy and one destroyed hospital at a time. so no, we do not apologize for defending ourselves or for striking iran's nuclear facilities or apologize for neutralizing the thread. because, while some here raise our voices when israel strikes a ballistic missile site, they fall silent when iran strikes a

surgical wing. some say nothing when iran hits a building. that is not balance. that is moral collapse. we are doing what this counsel should have done long ago. we are acting when the international community hesitated and stopping the threats that endanger the entire world. our homes, families and children are under threat, but we will not stop. not until iran's nuclear threat is dismantled and not until its war machine is disarmed. not until our people and yours are safe. this is not just israel's fight, but the world's fight.

>> unity this fall, c-span presents cease fire, with a shouting stops in the conversation begins, in a town where partisan fighting prevails, one table, two leaders, one goal, to find common ground. this fall, cease fire, on the network that does not take sides, only on c-span. >> c-span, democracy unfiltered, funded by these television companies and more, including sparklight. >> what is great internet? is it strong? is it fast? is it reliable? at /sparklight, we note connection goes beyond technology. from monday morning in