The recent American-backed draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has sparked controversy, as the US has removed any mention of Iran after Russia, a permanent member of the UNSC, raised objections.
The draft resolution proposed by the United States had called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as a de-escalation of tensions and the handling of war casualties, civilian casualties, and civilian buildings. The draft resolution also called for “ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure…” along with “the cessation of the launching of rockets into populated areas of Israel by Hamas and other militant actors in Gaza”. However, the Russian team at the UNSC had raised objections to the language of the resolution, particularly the bit that mentioned Iran.
In response to these Russian objections, the US eliminated any mention of Iran in the draft. This decision, unsurprisingly, has been met with harsh criticism from the international community.
The allegations made against Iran have been denied by officials from the country, who say that they have had no involvement in Hamas’ actions or the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Iran’s response came after the original draft resolution of the US had implored the United Nations to remind “all states of their obligations under international law to refrain from the supply, sale and transfer of weapons and ammunition that could lead to the escalation of the conflict” from Iran.
The removal of any mention of Iran has naturally stirred up a controversy, with many arguing that to omit Iran so blatantly disregards the facts and sends a message of international impunity. In many ways, this move by the US casts doubt on the credibility of the UNSC process, where objections from permanent members can result in drastic changes to existing resolutions.
The situation is made more complex given the current state of affairs between the US and Iran. Relations between the two countries have been tense for many years now, and the latest decision by the US may be seen as an attempt to further discredit Iran in the international arena.
At this point, it is unclear what will happen as a result of the removal of the mention of Iran from the draft resolution. The resolution remains in the hands of the UNSC, and only time will tell if it will be approved. The omission of Iran, however, has undermined the process and sends a clear message that the UNSC is not immune to the global power dynamics among its members.