Islam Times - Iran Condemns US Veto of Gaza Ceasefire Resolution as 'Disgraceful'

Islam Times - Iran’s UN ambassador has criticized the United States for vetoing a Gaza ceasefire resolution, calling it a “disgraceful” act that enables Israeli impunity and undermines global peace efforts.

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, strongly criticized the United States during a UN Security Council session on Thursday, denouncing its veto of a Gaza ceasefire resolution as "disgraceful."

Speaking before the 15-member council, Iravani attributed Israel's ongoing violence to unwavering US support and the Security Council's inaction.

“The disgraceful veto not only highlights the Security Council’s failure to uphold its Charter-based mandate but also serves as a US-granted license for the occupying regime to continue its carnage in Gaza and Lebanon with full impunity,” Iravani said.

The US vetoed the resolution on Wednesday, which had called for “an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza. Iravani warned that Israel’s ongoing criminal actions posed a "grave threat to regional and global peace" and could ignite a catastrophic war with far-reaching consequences.

He called on the Security Council to take decisive action to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and to ensure the protection of civilians.

Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at least 44,056 Palestinians and wounded 104,286 since October 7, 2023. Thousands are still missing, presumed buried under rubble.

Since October, Israel has expanded its military operations to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions. In response, Hezbollah has conducted retaliatory strikes against occupied Palestinian territories.

The conflict has claimed at least 3,583 lives in Lebanon since September, according to health ministry data.

Iravani further highlighted the destabilizing impact of Israel's aggression on Syria, accusing the Israeli regime of coordinating with terrorist groups to systematically destroy Syrian infrastructure.

He reiterated Iran’s position that a political solution, respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, is essential for resolving the Syrian crisis.

He also called for the end of foreign interference, particularly by the US, and the cessation of support for terrorist groups.

“Any sustainable solution must fully uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, end the illegal presence of foreign forces, particularly US forces, halt the exploitation of Syria’s natural resources, and cease ongoing support by the US and Israel for terrorist groups.”

The US has maintained a military presence in northeastern Syria, claiming it aims to prevent Daesh terrorists from taking control of oil fields.

Damascus, however, asserts that the deployment is intended to exploit Syria’s natural resources.

The Syrian conflict, ongoing since 2011, has seen Syrian forces, backed by allies such as Russia and Iran, reclaim much of the country from foreign-backed terrorist groups.