Iraq’s Permanent Representative to United Nations Participates in an Emergency Security Council Session on Threats to International Peace and Security

On Sunday, June 22, the Security Council held an emergency session to discuss threats to international peace and security and the latest developments related to the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, stated that Iraq is following with great concern the rapid and dangerous developments taking place in the region, especially the ongoing military escalation and the subsequent attack on three nuclear reactors inside Iranian territory.

Dr. Obaid affirmed that Iraq considers this attack a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to regional and international peace and security, increasing the possibility of the spread of conflict and war. He noted that these developments represent a true test of the international system based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

He explained that targeting nuclear facilities, regardless of disagreements on them, sets a dangerous precedent that contradicts diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear issue through dialogue and international controls, especially the vital role of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Permanent Representative emphasized that targeting declared nuclear facilities sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to catastrophic radiation leaks beyond the borders of the targeted state and pose a direct threat to human life and the environment in neighboring countries, including Iraq.

In his statement, Dr. Obaid expressed his regret over this military development, which has narrowed the timeframe and diplomatic opportunities for any possible peaceful solution, prevented sufficient space for negotiations and political efforts to contain tensions, and prevented the International Atomic Energy Agency from fulfilling its technical role, in accordance with its legal mandate, in verifying the nature of nuclear activities.

He pointed out that the region is at a dangerous juncture that threatens to ignite a comprehensive regional war, accompanied by violations of state sovereignty through repeated violations of airspace and land, as well as devastating economic repercussions. He also noted the repeated violations of Iraqi airspace by parties to the conflict, considering this a flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and a contravention of international law and the UN Charter.

Dr. Obaid reiterated Iraq’s position rejecting the use of its territory or airspace to carry out military operations that threaten the security and safety of any country in the region, by any party and for any purpose.

At the end of his remarks, he called for the need to restore confidence in joint international action, for the Security Council to exercise its vital role in maintaining international peace and security, respecting the sovereignty of states, and promoting diplomatic solutions. He urged all parties to avoid further escalation in order to preserve stability in the region and the world.