Briefing Security Council on Reported Israeli Attacks against Iran’s Diplomatic Premises in Syria, Top UN Official Urges Efforts to Prevent Further Escalation
In a meeting urgently convened today following reports of Israeli attacks on Iran’s diplomatic premises in Syria, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected and further escalation must be avoided.
“The rules-based international order is essential for international peace and security, which this Council is mandated to maintain,” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, in his briefing to the 15-member body.
Lethal attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria have been increasingly attributed to Israel, especially since the current conflict with Hamas in Gaza began on 7 October, he noted. While Israel has rarely claimed responsibility for any of these incidents, its officials have repeatedly acknowledged its military operations in Syria and have suggested that more will occur in the future.
He then appealed to the Council to continue actively engaging all concerned parties to prevent further escalation. “Any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East,” he warned.
In the ensuing discussion, many delegations asserted that any attack on diplomatic and consular premises violates the Charter of the United Nations as well as the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. They also expressed grave concern that such an incident could further intensify the regional conflict.
France’s delegate said that yesterday’s strikes in Damascus have taken place amid heightened tensions in the region, pointing out that since the 7 October Hamas terrorist attack, Iran and its regional partners have borne heavy responsibility for this escalation.
The speaker from the United Kingdom said that Iran has continued to support Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hizbullah, militias in Syria and Iraq and the Houthis. In addition to attacking Israel, these groups have been responsible for the attacks against international shipping, including the deaths of innocent mariners, and attacks against international forces in Iraq and Syria, he added.
In that vein, the representative of the United States urged Iran and its proxy and partner groups to avoid exacerbating regional tensions.
Categorically rejecting those allegations, Iran’s delegate reported that seven missile airstrikes from the occupied Golan Heights intentionally targeted her country’s diplomatic premises in Damascus, including the consular section building and the Ambassador’s residence. Tragically, these heinous attacks resulted in the martyrdom of seven Iranian personnel. Alongside the complete destruction of the consular building, the Embassy’s administrative parts also suffered significant damage due to the explosions, she added.
Syria’s representative said that the targeted Iranian consulate building is in a densely populated area full of civilians and near the headquarters of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP). “This vital area is crossed by thousands of civilians daily”, he said, adding that over the past few days, Israel’s “hysterical” attacks have also affected civilian buildings and installations in rural Damascus, resulting in injuries of civilians and military personnel.
The Russian Federation’s representative called on the international community to condemn Israel’s reckless actions, warning: “If we don’t reaffirm this position of solidarity, next time, the diplomatic mission by any State can be targeted by an air raid.”
The representative of Malta, Council President for April, called for maximum restraint by all actors in the region. “From Damascus, to Gaza, the Red Sea to the Blue Line, all our diplomatic expertise and collective leverage must be brought to bear to quell the flames of war before they are fanned out of control,” she said, adding: “Cool heads must prevail, or the consequences will be catastrophic.”
THREATS TO INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
Briefing
KHALED KHIARI, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, noted that Iran transmitted a letter to the Secretary-General and the Security Council stating that Israel has attacked its diplomatic premises in Damascus by missile strikes, killing at least five Iranian personnel, including senior military advisors and injuring others. According to media reports, the death toll has risen to 13 — seven Iranian personnel and six Syrian citizens. Reiterating the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the attack, he declared that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States must be respected under international law.
“The rules-based international order is essential for international peace and security, which this Council is mandated to maintain,” he said, noting that Geir O. Pedersen, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, has kept the Council apprised of the unrelenting violence on the ground, where six foreign armies are operating on its territory, impacting the lives of civilians and moving a peaceful resolution of the conflict farther out of reach. Lethal attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria have been increasingly attributed to Israel, especially since the current conflict with Hamas in Gaza began on 7 October. While Israel has rarely claimed responsibility for any of these incidents, its officials have repeatedly acknowledged its military operations in Syria and have suggested that more such operations will occur in the future.
He then appealed to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation, reiterating the Secretary-General’s calls on all concerned parties to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation. “Any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East,” he warned.
Statements
The representative of the Russian Federation condemned the incessant missile and bomb attacks by the Israeli Defense Forces targeting various sides in Syria, against the backdrop of the unprecedented scale of casualties brought about by the military operation in Gaza. He also sounded alarm over the blatant disregard of the Council’s legally binding decisions by the Israeli authorities, with Washington, D.C.,’s connivance. On 1 April, the Israeli air forces struck Iran’s consulate in Damascus, levelling the building to the ground. Any attack on diplomatic and consular premises violates the 1961 and 1963 Vienna Convention, he asserted, drawing particular attention to the fact that “this is not the first attack carried out by Israel in the densely populated area of Damascus”. In the past few months alone, Israeli aircraft have attacked the international airports in Damascus and Aleppo — the main gateways for the entry of humanitarian aid into Syria — several times. He further condemned the ongoing raids on the sovereign territory of Syria, noting that such aggressive actions are designed to further fuel the conflict and might have extremely dangerous consequences for the entire region. Calling on the international community to condemn Israel’s reckless actions, he said: “If we don’t reaffirm this position of solidarity, next time, the diplomatic mission by any State can be targeted by an air raid.”
The representative of China described an airstrike on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria as “a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law” and “a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran”. Recalling that 25 years ago, China’s Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was bombed by a United States-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) airstrike, resulting in personnel casualties and damage to the Embassy, he expressed sympathy and condolences to the Government of Iran and its people. In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and the universally recognized basic norms governing international relations, the safety and security of diplomatic missions is inviolable. “The red line of international law and the basic norms of international relations has been breached time and again,” he said, adding that the moral bottom line of human conscience has also been crushed time and again. Such a situation must stop immediately.
The representative of France said that yesterday’s strikes in Damascus have taken place in the context of heightened tensions in Syria and the region. Since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October, Iran and its regional partners have born heavy responsibility for this escalation. The international community must do everything possible to ease tensions, he said, calling on all actors to show restraint and prevent regional spillover. Turning to the disturbing situation in the Red Sea, he condemned the destabilizing actions carried out by the Houthis. In Syria, he called for the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) and voiced regret over the refusal of the Syrian Government to commit to a credible political process.
The representative of Algeria said that such a grave breach of international obligation by the Israeli occupying Power cannot be justified or tolerated, warning that this could lead to escalating tensions and wider regional consequences. The timing of these attacks — in the face of international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza through Council resolution 2728 (2024) — indicates a deliberate disregard for the international community’s call for a cessation of hostilities. The Council must respond firmly and decisively to these threats to fundamental principles of State sovereignty, diplomatic sanctity and respect for territorial integrity. “The integrity of our international order hangs in the balance,” he said, adding that the choice is either to uphold the principle of the UN Charter or risk plunging into chaos and regional spillover.
The representative of Slovenia condemned all attacks on diplomatic premises. Concerned about the escalation and spillover across the region, he underscored that the current devastating situation in Gaza has already had a strong impact on the situation along the Blue Line and in the Red Sea. “We continue to see other extremely concerning incidents in the region, including the one in Damascus yesterday,” he observed, appealing to all parties to show restraint. “It should be in no one’s interest to have further dangerous escalation in the Middle East,” he said, adding that the “people of the region have suffered enough”, and this includes Palestine, Israel, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Iran.
The representative of Switzerland condemned the airstrike against the Iranian consulate in Damascus, stating that the spiral of escalation must stop immediately. All channels of communication must be used to avoid any misunderstandings, as a single miscalculation can have disastrous consequences. A further deterioration in the situation must be avoided, and any use of force must strictly comply with international law. Given the current climate, the proper conduct of diplomatic activity is of utmost importance, he said, stressing that diplomatic buildings must not be targeted.
The representative of the Republic of Korea said that, amid the high tensions and the lack of implementation of resolution 2728 (2024), seeing another incident in a neighbouring country is “very concerning”. He also warned that such incidents have the potential to spill over into Lebanon. It is also deeply appalling that the attack took place on consular premises, contrary to international law and global norms. “History tells us that an unexpected event could expand into irrecoverable tragedies,” he cautioned, expressing concern that additional violent flashpoints could escalate into new tragedies in the region.
The representative of Sierra Leone said that the missile attack on diplomatic premises implicates breaches of the UN Charter, the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Sierra Leone strongly condemns the use of force in violation of the UN Charter and relevant international law, he said. The targeting of diplomatic missions undermines global peace and security. Fundamental protections, including the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, must be upheld to ensure the safety of all diplomats and consular agents and promote peaceful and friendly relations among States, he stressed.
The representative of Japan said that, although facts on the ground are yet to be confirmed, her country is monitoring with deep concern the situation following the reported air strikes against Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus that allegedly killed at least seven people, including Iranian officials. The current volatile situation in the Middle East, in which any additional conflicts could lead to a wider escalation and confrontation, is worrisome, she stressed, calling on all relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint and not to engage in any further destabilizing actions.
The representative of the United Kingdom underlined the importance of respect for the inviolability of diplomatic premises and protection of diplomatic and consular staff for the proper conduct of diplomatic relations. Iran’s role in destabilizing the region is unacceptable. Among the groups which Iran has continued to support are Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hizbullah, militias in Syria and Iraq and the Houthis. In addition to attacking Israel, these groups have been responsible for the attacks against international shipping, including the deaths of innocent mariners, and attacks against international forces in Iraq and Syria. Iran must cease its support to these groups and use its influence to prevent their attacks. “We are committed to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East,” he said, adding that his country stands ready to work with all members of the Council and the international community.
The representative of Guyana underscored that any attack against a diplomatic facility is unacceptable and contravenes the fundamental safeguards established in international law. Reaffirming the prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, as enshrined in the UN Charter, she called on all States to fully comply with these obligations. She further called for a thorough and swift investigation to determine the circumstances of this incident and restraint by all parties to avoid any further escalation of tensions in the region that could lead to even more tragic consequences.
The representative of the United States said that his country had no involvement in the reported strike in Syria, nor did it know about it ahead of time. However, one thing is clear: Iran and its proxy and partner groups need to avoid escalating tensions in the region. Indeed, since the 7 October terrorist attack on Israel, the United States has repeatedly warned Iran not to take advantage of the situation to escalate its longstanding proxy war against Israel and other actors. Iran has ignored that warning. Washington, D.C., does not have confirmation of the status of the building that was struck in Damascus, he said, adding that any confirmed attack on a diplomatic facility would be of concern to the United States. Turning to reports of an Israeli airstrike on the World Central Kitchen Convoy, he said that Israel needs to do much more to protect humanitarian personnel and facilities in Gaza. “It is unacceptable and inexplicable that nearly six months into this conflict, Israeli military deconfliction mechanisms are not functioning appropriately,” he said.
The representative of Ecuador condemned all attacks carried out against diplomatic and consular missions and representatives. Rejecting these acts of violence, regardless of origin, he said that the attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises runs counter to principles enshrined in international law, has cost the lives of civilians and has destroyed civilian infrastructure. “Nothing justifies these types of attacks,” he said, calling on all States to respect the inviolability of diplomatic and consular offices. These acts must be duly investigated and perpetrators brough to justice, he added.
The representative of Mozambique emphasized that all parties involved, especially Israel, must strictly adhere to international legal norms and agreements. Upholding these fundamental principles is essential to prevent further military confrontation and maintain stability. The Council must closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further escalation of hostilities resulting from this attack. He reiterated his country’s consistent appeal to Council members to redouble efforts towards a sustainable solution to the Middle East conflict, in line with relevant Council and General Assembly resolutions.
The representative of Malta observed that the Middle East continues to be in a state of turmoil, calling the situation “completely untenable”. The airstrikes carried out against the Iranian consulate in Damascus yesterday are just the latest episode of a long string of deeply troubling events. Such strikes only exacerbate tensions and increase the risk of regional conflict, she stressed, noting that they risk worsening the already dire humanitarian plight of the Syrian population. Accordingly, she said, maximum restraint must be exercised by all actors in the region at this extremely delicate moment: “This starts with the implementation of resolution 2728 (2024)”. “From Damascus, to Gaza, the Red Sea to the Blue Line, all our diplomatic expertise and collective leverage must be brought to bear to quell the flames of war before they are fanned out of control,” she underlined, adding: “Cool heads must prevail, or the consequences will be catastrophic.”
Taking the floor a second time, the representative of the Russian Federation criticized the Western troika in the Council for its cynicism and double standards. The representative of France said everything except for a single word of condemnation for yet another violation of international law by Israel. The United States always possesses information on any topic firsthand thanks to its intelligence capabilities. But surprisingly, Washington, D.C., has no confirmation regarding the attack against the consulate of Iran, he said. The United Kingdom and the United States almost directly accused Iran and Syria for the Israeli strikes on the consulate.
The representative of Iran reported that seven missile airstrikes from the occupied Golan Heights intentionally targeted the diplomatic premises of Iran, including the consular section building and the Ambassador’s residence. Tragically, these heinous attacks resulted in the martyrdom of seven Iranian personnel, including senior military advisers, and some others were injured. Alongside the complete destruction of the consular building, the Embassy’s administrative parts also suffered significant damage due to the explosions. The final and accurate death toll remains uncertain.
He went on to say that the representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom once again tried to deny their responsibility for the current situation in Syria and the broader region by falsely blaming Iran. Tehran has never sought to contribute to the spillover of the conflict in the region nor does it seek to escalate or spread the tension to the entire region. The United States is responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime, he stressed. The savage and genocidal acts in Gaza could not have happened without explicit consent, and comprehensive political, financial, and military support from the United States. The United Kingdom should face up to its mistakes and rectify its detrimental policies that have adversely affected the region’s people, he said, adding that the longstanding suffering of the Palestinian people, persisting for over seven decades, can be traced back directly to that country’s colonial policies.
The representative of Syria said that, in a string of Israeli attacks against his country, yesterday, in broad daylight, the Israeli occupation forces launched a barbaric rocket aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan. This led to the destruction of the entire premises and injury of all those inside, including Syrians and Iranians. The targeted Iranian consulate building — located in a densely populated area, full of civilians — is just a few meters away from the headquarters of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP). “This vital area is crossed by thousands of civilians daily,” he said, noting that some suffered injuries. Such grave violations of international conventions and norms that guarantee the protection of diplomatic premises and personnel and the prohibition of any attacks against them constitutes “a dangerous precedent”.
Over the past few days, Israel’s “hysterical” attacks have also affected civilian buildings and installations in rural Damascus, resulting in injuries of civilians and military personnel, he continued. The Israeli attacks coincided with attacks carried out by Da’esh in the eastern part of the country. This reaffirms “the ongoing coordination between Israel and its terrorist proxies”, he asserted. He further pointed out that the Israeli occupation authorities would not have carried out this aggression against protected diplomatic headquarters had it not been for Washington, D.C.,’s blind support. Against this backdrop, he called on the UN to shoulder its primary responsibility to condemn repeated Israeli attacks, prevent their recurrence, and hold their perpetrators accountable.