WEB DESK: Russia on Friday dismissed a United States-backed resolution targeting Iran at the United Nations Security Council, warning that the proposal could deepen instability across the Middle East.
Speaking ahead of the UNSC vote on maritime security in the Persian Gulf, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya criticized the draft for placing sole blame on Iran while ignoring the broader causes of regional tensions.
Nebenzya said Moscow would not endorse what he called a “one-sided” resolution against Tehran, arguing that lasting stability cannot be achieved through selective condemnation.
According to the Russian envoy, peace in the Persian Gulf depends on reducing military escalation and addressing the root causes of the conflict rather than adopting punitive measures.
Russia also urged Security Council members to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions and cautioned against introducing confrontational proposals at a sensitive time.
The draft resolution, introduced by the United States with backing from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, calls on Iran to stop attacks and remove restrictions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Pushes for International Backing
Earlier, Washington appealed to UN member states to support the resolution, describing it as necessary to protect maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Gulf.
US envoy Mike Waltz warned that rejecting the proposal would send a dangerous signal regarding international security and stability.
However, diplomats indicated that both Russia and China are likely to veto the measure, as they previously blocked a similar US-backed resolution last month.
Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani strongly criticized the draft, calling it politically motivated and accusing Washington of lacking credibility on issues related to maritime security.
Diplomatic sources said Russia pushed for either major revisions to the text or its complete withdrawal, while China objected to language that could potentially justify future sanctions or military action under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
The proposed resolution accuses Iran of threatening navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and demands that Tehran immediately halt attacks and cooperate with mine-clearing operations in the area.
The debate comes amid reports that the United States and Iran are separately exploring a temporary arrangement aimed at reducing hostilities, though several key disagreements reportedly remain unresolved.
