Israel slams UN rights council for giving floor to Iran ahead of nuclear talks
By Olivia Le Poidevin
GENEVA (Reuters) -Israel's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has raised "vehement objection" to Iran addressing the Human Rights Council ahead of talks with European counterparts in Geneva to try to de-escalate the conflict, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
"Affording the Iranian foreign minister the floor before this body continues to undermine the council's credibility and constitutes a blatant betrayal of the many victims of this regime worldwide," Daniel Meron said in a letter addressed to council president Jurg Lauber.
The council said on Friday said that Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was due to be given the floor. Shortly afterwards, he is due to hold talks with the EU foreign policy chief and his counterparts in Britain, France and Germany in order to de-escalate the conflict.
In the letter, Meron accuses Iran of using the council as a international stage to "promote the regime's despotic campaign."
On Wednesday, the Iranian Ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva addressed the council and accused Israeli attacks as representing an act of "war against humanity".
Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying it aimed to prevent its longtime enemy from developing nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. It says its nuclear programme is peaceful.
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Israel-Iran Updates: European Leaders Hold Talks With Iran (Live)
June 20, 9 a.m. ET Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, meets with his counterparts from the U.K., France and Germany on Friday to discuss a diplomatic resolution to the conflict with Israel. The meeting takes place in Geneva and marks the first major diplomatic exchange involving Iran since Israel struck its nuclear program last week. French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Thursday said the talks will focus on ways to 'achieve a lasting rollback of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme,' with top European officials joining the U.S. in seeking an end to Iran's uranium-enrichment program. However, Araghchi told state media that the Geneva meeting will only focus on 'nuclear and regional' matters and Iran's missile program was not up for discussion. Regarding his country's missile program, Araghchi said: 'Our missiles are for the defense of the country and to create deterrence.' June 20, 2 a.m. ET Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah's leadership to stay away from its conflict with Iran, saying 'The Hezbollah Secretary General has not learned from his predecessors and is threatening to act against Israel under orders from the Iranian dictator.' On Thursday, the leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Naim Qassem said he will offer 'all forms of support' to Iran in the conflict and claimed that uranium enrichment was meant for 'peaceful purposes.' Katz wrote, 'I suggest to the Lebanese proxy to be careful and understand that Israel has lost patience with terrorists who threaten there is terrorism, there will be no Hezbollah.' 2 a.m. ET The Israeli military claimed it struck 'dozens of military targets in Iran' on Thursday night including, 'several industrial sites used to manufacture the Tehran area.' The IDF said it also struck the headquarters of the SPND, Iranian main defense research organization, and said: 'This building was used for the development of advanced technologies and weapons supporting the Iranian regime's military capabilities.' 12:30 a.m. ET Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned against pushing for a regime change in Iran and said Russia would react 'very negatively' if the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, in an interview with Sky News. On the issue of potential direct U.S. involvement in the conflict, Peskov said an 'enlargement' of the conflict 'is potentially even more dangerous,' as it could lead to escalation of tensions in the region. Russia, which has close ties with Iran, has so far not been drawn into the conflict and Peskov refused to comment on whether Moscow would take any action in the event Khamenei was killed. June 19, 3:06 p.m. ET Netanyahu told Israeli news outlet Kan that Israel will strike 'all' of Iran's nuclear facilities and said it can carry out the attacks without help from the U.S., according to The New York Times, though the Israeli prime minister noted the U.S. is helping with air defense, saying, 'American pilots are intercepting drones alongside our pilots.' It was widely reported prior to Netanyahu's comment the U.S. was supporting Israel in a defensive capacity, providing support through American air defense systems and naval destroyers as far back as October, when Iran launched ballistic missiles against Israel, though this was the most specific information so far released. June 19, 1:35 p.m. ET Leavitt provided a statement on behalf of Trump to reporters, saying there is a 'substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran' soon and the president will make his decision 'on whether or not to go within the next two weeks.' Leavitt also said Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, is still in contact with Iranian officials. June 19, 12:16 p.m. ET Iran issued a warning to any 'third party' involvement in its conflict with Israel, seemingly referencing the U.S. without directly mentioning it and threatening an 'immediate response,' according to CNN. June 19, 6:45 a.m. ET Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, warned the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah against joining the Israel-Iran conflict. Hezbollah has criticized Israel's strikes on Iran and on Thursday it warned that the assassination threats against Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'are foolish and reckless, and will have disastrous consequences.' Barrack, who is on an official visit to Beirut, addressed the militant group's threat, saying: 'I can say on behalf of President Trump, which he has been very clear in expressing as has Special Envoy Witkoff: that would be a very, very, very bad decision.' June 19, 4 a.m. ET Iranian state media claimed the main target of the missile attack which damaged a hospital in southern Israel was the 'vast command and intelligence base' of the Israeli military's C4i tech and communications unit and 'the campus of their military intelligence, located in the Gav-Yam technology park.' The hospital which was struck appears to be located less than two miles away from the Gav-Yam technology park. 3:30 a.m. ET Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said he and Netanyahu have ordered the country's military to 'intensify strikes against strategic targets' in Iran after the latest wave of missile attacks. Katz accused the Iranian Supreme Leader of committing the 'gravest of war crimes' and said 'The cowardly Iranian dictator sits in the depths of the fortified bunker and fires aimed shots at hospitals and residential buildings in Israel.' 3 a.m. ET The Soroka Medical Center, a hospital in the southern Israeli city of Be'er Sheva was struck by an Iranian missile which caused 'extensive damage' but no serious injuries, according to authorities in Israel. The strike was the first time a hospital in Israel was struck by an Iranian missile since the conflict between the two countries began last week. Overall 65 people were injured across Israel in the latest barrage of missile strikes launched by Iran. June 18, 4:48 p.m. ET The State Department is conducting the evacuations of nonessential diplomats, the Associated Press reported, noting diplomats were authorized to leave at the government's expense Wednesday (Forbes has reached out to the State Department for comment). June 18, 2:45 p.m. ET Some embassy personnel were evacuated from Israel via U.S. military aircraft, according to CNN, which reported earlier Wednesday a full evacuation of the embassy was not ordered and diplomats and family members were not required to leave. June 18, 10:39 a.m. ET The Iranian Mission to the U.N. said 'no Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House,' in a post on X responding to Trump's claim made minutes earlier that Iran had contacted his administration, writing 'the only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to 'take out' Iran's Supreme Leader.' June 18, 10:15 a.m. Trump said 'You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question . . . I may do it, I may not do it, I mean nobody knows what I'm going to do,' when asked by a reporter at an unrelated White House event if the U.S. is moving closer to striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump said the Iranians have reached out to him and he told them 'it's very late to be talking . . . there's a big difference between now and a week ago,' referring to Iran's refusal to accept a deal with the U.S. to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon sooner. In subsequent comments, Trump said 'we're not looking for a long-term war . . . I only want one thing: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,' while also elaborating on what he meant when he called for 'unconditional surrender' a day earlier: 'That means I've had it . . . I give up, no more. Then we go blow up all the nuclear stuff that's all over the place there.' June 18, 7 a.m. According to a statement delivered via Iranian state media, the Supreme Leader said his country 'stands firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace,' adding that Iran will 'not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition,' warning any U.S. involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict will undoubtedly lead to 'serious irreparable harm.' The Iranian leader also addressed President Trump's comments on Tuesday calling for Iran's 'unconditional surrender,' saying those who know his country's history 'know that Iranians do not answer well to the language of threats.' June 18, 3 a.m. Aerial attacks from both sides continued early on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed Iran has launched more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones since Friday. June 17, 6:30 p.m. White House officials told multiple outlets Trump spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday after a meeting with national security advisors, though the details of the conversation have not been publicly reported. June 17, 6 p.m. Unnamed U.S. officials cited by Axios said Trump was seriously considering entering the conflict by launching strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. June 17, 12:19 p.m. Trump warned on Truth Social earlier Tuesday: 'We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding,' referring to Khamenei, who is increasingly isolated after Israel assassinated several of his top generals, adding Khamenei is 'safe' and 'we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,' but said 'our patience is wearing thin.' Tensions between Iran and Israel first erupted on Friday, when the Israel military carried out unilateral strikes against key nuclear facilities and killed several top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists. Netanyahu claimed Israel's attack was an act of self defense as the Iranian nuclear program posed 'a danger to Israel's very survival.' On Monday, Trump exited the G7 summit earlier than scheduled and flew back from Canada to Washington as tensions between Iran and Israel escalated, with the White House press secretary saying he left early 'because of what's going on in the Middle East.' Shortly before leaving the summit, Trump issued an ominous warning to residents of Tehran, Iran's capital, on Truth Social: 'Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON…Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!' At the time, Trump did not specify why he called for an evacuation of the city of 10 million people, but when asked later, Trump said: 'I want people to be safe…That's always possible something could happen. I just want people to be safe.' The president spoke to reporters on board Air Force One on his return to Washington and said he wanted something better than a ceasefire 'An end. A real end, not a ceasefire, an end,' and signaled that a only complete 'give up' by Iran would be acceptable. In a earlier post Trump, said: 'We now have complete and total control of the skies over had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn't compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured stuff. Nobody does it better than the good ol' USA.' In a third post Tuesday morning, Trump called for an 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' Trump has also warned Iran against targeting U.S. personnel or assets, saying if that happens 'we'll come down so hard, it'd be gloves off...I think they know not to touch our troops.' On Monday, Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One on the way back to the U.S. from the summit in Canada he wanted to see an end to Iran's nuclear program and said he's 'not too much in the mood to negotiate now.' Trump attacked French President Emmanuel Macron on Truth Social, describing him as 'publicity seeking' after he said Trump was flying out of the G7 summit early to work out a cease fire between Israel and Iran and 'then kick-start broader discussions.' Trump said Macron 'has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire,' and claimed it was something 'Much bigger than that.' Trump departed the G7 Summit early and returned to Washington on Monday night to 'attend to many important matters,' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Shortly before he left Canada, the president told reporters Iran 'want to make a deal, and as soon as I leave here, we're going to be doing something. But I have to leave here.' Fox News reported on Monday evening that Trump had asked his national security to be present in the Situation Room when he returns to the White House. A U.S. official told reporters earlier on Monday Trump would not sign a draft statement of G7 leaders, which included a call for de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict. The president eventually agreed to sign it after some changes were made to the statement's 'initial draft language,' according to the New York Times. The final statement notes: 'We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.' The statement affirms Israel's 'right to defend itself,' describes Iran as the 'principal source of regional instability and terror,' and notes 'Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.' It also calls for a resolution of the ongoing crisis and 'a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a cease fire in Gaza.' In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled he was open to talks resuming talks with the U.S. if Israel's strikes on Iran were halted. 'If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential. Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue. It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy,' he wrote. The post also attacked Netanyahu, calling him a 'war criminal.'
News24
23 minutes ago
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Iranians in Europe share mixed feelings on Israel offensive
Iranian diaspora expresses mixed emotions, torn between hope for change and fears for loved ones in the crisis. Israel launched a campaign against Iran to prevent its nuclear weapon ambitions, escalating regional tensions significantly. Opinions among diaspora vary - some support Israel's actions for regime change, others oppose foreign interference and violence. As Israel and Iran trade fire in their most intense confrontation in history, members of the Iranian diaspora in Europe are torn between hopes for change and fears for their loved ones back home. An Iranian teacher based in Frankfurt, who did not want to give her name, said that "many are caught between hope for change and horror at what is happening right now." Israel launched its offensive on Friday last week after long-running tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme. Many Iranians in Europe see it as a chance to topple the Iranian leadership under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - long accused of human-rights abuses and brutally repressing dissent. In London, around a dozen members of the Iranian diaspora gathered in front of the Iranian embassy on Monday. READ | 'Peacemaking is the only way,' Ramaphosa says as he calls for Iran, Israel dialogue Some were waving Israeli flags, others the flag of the Pahlavi dynasty - the ruling house of Iran until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Psychology student Maryam Tavakol, 35, said she supported Israel's assault. "There is no freedom in Iran, no human rights... We support each act that makes the Islamic republic weaker," said Tavakol, who left Iran in 2019 and has been living in the UK for two years. But Ali, 49, a restaurant worker living in London who did not want to give his last name, said he would prefer the arch rivals to "sit down and speak to each other". "(I have) never supported the Iranian regime, I don't like the regime," said Ali, who left Iran in 1997. "(But) who will suffer? The people... I don't support anyone who harms kids and people. I'm really upset," he said. "We still have family and friends in Iran, Tehran," said Paria, 32, another London restaurant worker. "They are fleeing to the north. We are really worried for them." 'Divided' diaspora Israel on Friday launched a surprise aerial campaign targeting sites across Iran, saying the attacks aimed to prevent its enemy from acquiring atomic weapons. Iran's uranium enrichment has for decades caused tension with the West and Israel, which fear the drive is aimed at making an atomic bomb, a charge denied by Tehran. The death toll in Israel from Iranian missile strikes since 13 June was 25 people, according to authorities. READ | 'Are we targeting the downfall of the regime?' Israel claims hit on Iran nuclear site Iran said on Sunday that Israeli strikes had killed at least 224 people, including military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Hamidreza Javdan, a 71-year-old actor and director originally from Tehran and now living in Paris, said the Iranian diaspora was "divided" over the conflict. "Some say 'no one has the right to attack our country'; others think it's a good thing," he said. Javdan said he was "hopeful" for a change of government, but also fears for his brother, who is disabled and unable to quickly leave Tehran. "And there are more than 10 million people in Tehran, where are they going to go?" he said. In Sweden, a 34-year-old lawyer who requested anonymity said she found the conflict "abominable". "I feel no loyalty to the Iranian regime... and want to see it overthrown. But this must come from the Iranian people themselves, not as a result of interference from foreign powers," she said. Baharan Kazemi, 42, a Swedish-Iranian children's author, said Israel's assault was "indirectly an attack on us too, on our families". She said: Like most diaspora Iranians I have spoken to, I feel so many things - fear, sadness, anger, powerlessness. To be separated from your loved ones during a crisis adds another layer to the pain. In Berlin, an Iranian translator who wanted to remain anonymous said she felt "torn" over the conflict. "I hope so much that this war will overthrow the mullah regime. I wish for that so much. Then all the deaths would not have been in vain," she said.
