• UN Security Council convenes to discuss US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites.
• Russia, China, and Pakistan propose a ceasefire resolution, opposed by the US.
• UN Secretary-General warns of a potential "rathole of retaliation" in the region.
• Iran's ambassador threatens a decisive response to US and Israeli actions.
• IAEA reports visible damage to Iran's nuclear facilities; tensions escalate.

The United Nations Security Council convened on June 22 to address increasing tensions following U.S. military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities. This meeting was prompted by calls from Russia, China, and Pakistan for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" in the Middle East. A draft resolution has been circulated among council members, although it is unclear when the council may schedule a vote, given that the resolution requires support from at least nine members without vetoes from permanent members like the U.S., UK, Russia, and China, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern during the session, stating, "The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling," and warned of descending "into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation." Guterres emphasized the need for immediate action to halt the fighting and return to negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, according to Al Jazeera.

Amidst this backdrop, U.S. officials defended the military strikes, asserting they were essential to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and protect U.S. interests and allies in the region. Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea stated, “The time finally came for the United States, in defense of its ally and our own interests, to act decisively," warning that any Iranian retaliatory actions would be met with significant consequences, as reported by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Iran’s Ambassador Ali Bahreini condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes as politically motivated actions that do not occur “in a vacuum.” He warned that Iran's military would determine the timing and scale of its response to the attacks. Meanwhile, Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, defended the actions of the U.S. and Israel, asserting they had made the world “a safer place,” according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), provided an update on the damage assessment, indicating that while there were visible impacts at the Fordow enrichment site, the extent of underground destruction remains unclear. Grossi confirmed that Iran reported no increase in radiation levels at affected sites, highlighting the difficulties in evaluating the overall situation, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.