US 'opened a Pandora's Box': Russia's UN envoy on aggression on Iran
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Russia slams US strikes on Iran at the UN, warns of catastrophic consequences, and calls for an immediate halt to US and Israeli aggression.
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Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on June 20, 2025 (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
Russia has issued a strong condemnation of the United States' aggression against Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the attack could unleash uncontrollable consequences for the region and beyond.
Speaking at the UN Security Council on Sunday, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia declared that Washington has “opened Pandora’s Box,” setting the stage for future crises.
“The US has opened a Pandora’s Box, no one knows what new catastrophes and suffering it will bring,” Nebenzia said, addressing the international body during an emergency session on the escalating situation between Iran and "Israel".
The US carried out overnight airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. The aggression, ordered by President Donald Trump, was framed by Washington as a move to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump warned that Tehran must agree to “end this war” or face more severe consequences.
Nebenzia condemned the strike as a dangerous and provocative action against the Islamic Republic of Iran, a sovereign member state of the United Nations.
Moscow denounces attack on sovereign UN member state
“Russia condemns in the most decisive terms the irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative actions committed by the USA against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he stated.
He added that such actions are likely to exacerbate the situation and pose a serious threat to regional and international security.
US 'clearly not interested in diplomacy', Russia says
According to the Russian envoy, Washington has shown no genuine interest in pursuing diplomacy with Tehran.
“Our [US] colleagues are clearly not interested in diplomacy today, and responsibility for this falls squarely on the shoulders of US leadership,” Nebenzia declared.
He further criticized Washington for publicly flaunting its role in the strikes, calling it a reckless move that discredits any claim to a peaceful resolution.
Read more: Trump used nuclear talks as cover to launch war on Iran: The Atlantic
Russia demands cessation of US, 'Israel' aggressive actions
Calling for immediate de-escalation, Nebenzia urged both the United States and “Israel” to halt all aggressive actions and return to diplomacy.
“We call for an immediate cessation of aggressive actions by Israel and the US, restraint on the part of all parties, and return into the fold of international diplomacy and the negotiations process,” he said.
He also appealed to the UN Security Council to take concrete steps by issuing a collective decision declaring any strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure as unacceptable under international law.
Read more: China slam US strikes on Iran nuclear sites
