TEHRAN – Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, delivered a scathing condemnation of Israel's ongoing aggression in Lebanon during a UN Security Council meeting on “the situation in the Middle East”. 

Iravani noted Israel is committing "genocide" and "crimes against humanity," echoing similar accusations made against Israel's actions in Gaza. 

"After over a year of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, where more than two hundred thousand people have been killed, injured, or left buried under the rubble, this terrorist regime has now waged a genocidal war against Lebanon," Iravani stated. He described the targeting of civilians and infrastructure as a "flagrant war crime" and a "crime against humanity."

The Iranian ambassador went on to criticize the United States and the United Kingdom for their continued support of Israel, stating that they enable Israel's "unchecked impunity." Iravani specifically blamed the U.S. for emboldening Israel's actions with its "ironclad support."

Iravani also accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging ceasefire efforts by rejecting a 21-day temporary ceasefire proposal agreed upon by the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. He added that Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, aiming to further destabilize the region and prevent any possibility of peace.

"These heinous acts expose Israel's true intentions," Iravani asserted, "that this regime has no interest in peace or a ceasefire. Its real objective is only to provoke a full-scale war across the region."

The ambassador called on the Security Council to take immediate action to address the situation in Lebanon, demanding an immediate ceasefire and holding Israel accountable for its actions. He also urged the council to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Lebanon unimpeded. 

"The very credibility of this Council is at stake," Iravani concluded, "We demand immediate action. This Council must send an unequivocal message: the ongoing Israeli occupation and aggression must end." 

Iravani's speech comes amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, with Israel's ongoing aggressions in Gaza and Lebanon prompting international condemnation and calls for de-escalation.