Russia Condemns U.S. Strike on Iran as ‘Colossal Attack’ on Global Nonproliferation Order
Russia condemns U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites as "colossal attack" on nonproliferation. Nebenzya warns of catastrophic escalation, compares actions to Iraq War. Urges UN support for ceasefire resolution, says Security Council must act to prevent disaster.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – During an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, Russia’s Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzya sharply denounced the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, describing them as a “colossal attack” on the global nonproliferation regime and a dangerous provocation with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Nebenzya expressed gratitude to Guyana for convening the meeting swiftly and thanked UN Secretary-General António Guterres and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for their briefings, which he said underscored the gravity of the situation.
‘A Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened’
In a forceful address, Nebenzya accused the United States of acting in coordination with Israel in what he described as “an unprovoked missile and bomb attack” on safeguarded Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. “The U.S. has opened a Pandora’s box. No one knows what new catastrophes and suffering it will bring,” he said.
The Russian envoy warned that Washington’s actions demonstrated a “wholesale disregard” for international law, the UN Charter, and Security Council resolutions, particularly 2231 and 487, as well as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
IAEA’s Credibility Under Threat
Highlighting the dangers posed to nuclear safety, Nebenzya said the attacks undermined not only Iran’s rights under the NPT but also the authority and inspection framework of the IAEA. “These strikes amount to a colossal attack on the global nonproliferation regime,” he warned, adding that the world risked being pushed back into an era of nuclear instability.
He criticized the IAEA for failing to address the fact that Israel has not signed the NPT and remains outside the framework of comprehensive nuclear inspections. “Iran remains the most monitored IAEA member in the world,” Nebenzya emphasized, “while it is being bombarded by a country that refuses to sign the NPT.”
A Historical Parallel and a Call for Action
Drawing a stark historical comparison, Nebenzya likened the current situation to the 2003 Iraq War, accusing the United States of repeating a pattern of “fabricated justifications” for military aggression. “Today’s situation is no different in substance,” he said. “This cements our conviction that history has taught our U.S. colleagues nothing.”
Russia, along with China and Pakistan, has submitted a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” and the resumption of diplomatic talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Nebenzya urged member states to support the resolution, warning that further escalation could trigger “a large-scale conflict with unpredictable consequences” and potentially a “nuclear disaster.”
“The Security Council is duty-bound to act,” Nebenzya concluded. “Unless it takes a principled position, further escalation is inevitable.”
