Israeli Government Urges United Nations to Impose ‘Maximum Sanctions’ on Iran Following Missile and Drone Strike.
Israel’s United Nations envoy Gilad Erdan stated that Iran’s recent attack had “crossed every red line” and asserted that “Israel reserves the legal right to retaliate.”
Israel has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to impose “all possible sanctions” on Iran following a large-scale drone and missile attack on Israeli territory by the Islamic Republic.
Israel requested an urgent UNSC meeting after Iran launched over 300 projectiles at its territory on April 13, with Israel managing to intercept 99 percent of the incoming attacks through its air defenses and its allies.
During the meeting, Israel’s U.N. representative, Gilad Erdan, highlighted that Iran’s attack violated all boundaries and that “Israel reserves the legal right to retaliate.”
“Today, the Council must act: condemn Iran for their acts of terror. Implement the snapback mechanism and reinstate punitive sanctions,” Mr. Erdan urged the council.
“Label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Action is imperative now, not just for Israel, not just for the region, but for the sake of global security,” he added.
Over the years, Israel has repeatedly tried to alert the international community to the dangers posed by Iran, despite Iran’s consistent breaches of Security Council resolutions, as per Mr. Erdan.
Related Stories
Mr. Erdan stressed that it is time for the council to cease overlooking Iran’s transgressions and take decisive action, as Iran’s recent direct assault on Israeli soil has revealed the regime’s real intentions.
“As Iran’s true nature becomes evident, the world must shed its indifference,” he stated. “There is no more room for complacency. The only acceptable course of action is to condemn Iran and utilize all available means to hold them accountable for their egregious offenses.”
Iran Vows ‘Resolute’ Response If Israel Initiates Attack
Iran’s envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, justified the attack as a response to an alleged Israeli airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria, on April 1. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the airstrike.
Mr. Iravani emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict in the region but will not hesitate to exercise its “inherent right of self-defense when necessary.”
“If the Israeli regime dares to engage in further military aggression, rest assured that Iran’s response will be stronger and more resolute,” he warned.
“Let me be clear, should Iran or its proxies target the United States or escalate attacks against Israel, Iran will be held accountable,” he stated.
Mr. Wood clarified that any U.S. actions are purely defensive and not intended to escalate tensions.
“In the coming days, in cooperation with other Member States, the United States will explore additional measures to ensure Iran faces consequences here at the United Nations,” he added.
“We do not seek war with Iran. We do not wish to escalate tensions,” remarked White House National Security spokesman John Kirby during an interview with NBC on April 14.
The Pentagon reported that Iran launched over 300 munitions, including more than 100 medium-range ballistic missiles, about 30 land attack cruise missiles, and over 150 attack drones aimed at Israel.
According to a senior U.S. defense official, the attacks originated from locations in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog characterized Iran’s offensives against Israel as a de facto “declaration of war,” while asserting that Israel remains committed to pursuing peace.
“We came under attack from all directions in the Middle East last night, with militias launching ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles at us,” Mr. Herzog stated in an interview with Sky News. “This is akin to a full-scale war. This is a declaration of war.”
Contributions to this report were made by Emel Akan.
