Heightened Tensions: Israel and Iran Exchange Threats Amid U.N. Security Council Meeting

Israel and Iran exchanged threats at a U.N. Security Council meeting over escalating violence in the Middle East. Israel conducted a ground assault against Hezbollah, while Iran's missile attack on Israel aimed to restore balance. Diplomats called for de-escalation, but the conflict shows no sign of subsiding.

Israel, backed by the United States, and Iran issued mutual threats at a tense U.N. Security Council meeting, raising global concerns about a broader Middle Eastern conflict. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an end to the deadly cycle of violence, stressing that time is running out to prevent further escalation.

The meeting followed Israel's targeted killing of Hezbollah's leader and a subsequent ground offensive against the Iran-supported group. Iran retaliated with a missile strike on Israel. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon stated that Israel would defend itself and warned Iran of severe consequences for its actions.

Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saied Iravani justified the missile attack as necessary to maintain balance and deterrence, asserting that Iran is prepared to defend its territorial integrity. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that U.S. support for Israel is strictly defensive and warned Iran against further provocations.

French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere called for a unified Security Council response to de-escalate tensions, supporting sanctions on Iran. Despite global efforts for peace, Guterres declared strong condemnation of Iran's actions and highlighted the urgent need for diplomatic solutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)