Russian ambassador on YAN threat

Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, stated at an emergency meeting of the Security Council that Russia demands the International Atomic Energy Agency immediately condemn the actions of the United States, which, he said, undermine the NPT and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. He noted that attempts by the British presidency to downplay the threat in the Middle East are unacceptable and dangerous. Nebenzia emphasized that Russia is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in Iran.

The statement also included accusations against the United States and Israel: according to the ambassador, strikes by the U.S. and Israel constitute open interference in Iran's internal affairs with the official aim of 'destroying a country unwelcome to the West.' He called this operation a betrayal of diplomacy, as it occurred during ongoing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Nebenzia expressed grave concern over the threat to nuclear and radiation safety in Iran, accusing the West of 'fabricated threats.' He stated that Europeans' response to the strikes represents a 'parallel reality' that ignores facts.

As additional evidence of escalation, the ambassador mentioned that Iran breached U.S. and Qatari air defenses, destroying a radar system at Al-Udeid air base. UAE air defense forces intercepted about 140 ballistic missiles and more than 200 drones from Iran. Iran's IRGC struck a U.S. air base in Saudi Arabia, while Syria completely closed its airspace.

The situation remains extremely tense: the region's airspace is mostly closed, and international flights are being canceled en masse.

Context

The emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in February 2026 drew attention to the ongoing rise in tensions in the Middle East, including after renewed conflicts between Iran and Saudi Arabia.