Russia accuses US of aggression against Iraq and Syria, US vows to continue

Russia : The US retorted that its military response to unjustified attacks by Iranian-backed proxies against American forces is not only legal but will continue

On Monday, Russia leveled accusations against the United States, asserting that its actions in Iraq and Syria amount to aggression aimed at maintaining global dominance and enhancing the image of the Biden administration ahead of upcoming US elections. In response, the US countered, emphasizing the legality of its military response to what it deemed unjustified attacks by Iranian-backed proxies against American forces, and affirmed its commitment to continuing such actions.

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During a tense UN Security Council meeting convened by Russia, Syria’s closest ally, both nations emphasized their reluctance to see an escalation and spill-over of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Several council members expressed concerns about a potential widening of the Middle East conflict and called for de-escalation and intensified peace efforts.

Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the US of violating international law and perpetuating chaos and destruction in the Middle East. He asserted that the violence by the United States and its allies has expanded across various regions, hindering international efforts to restore peace. Nebenzia called for a universal condemnation of these acts, which he claimed violate the sovereignty of Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. He also contended that the US is attempting to flex its muscles to salvage the image of the current American administration in light of the upcoming presidential pre-election campaign.

In response, US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood argued that the United States has an absolute right to self-defense against attacks on American forces. Wood highlighted that since October 18, Iran-aligned militia groups have attacked US and coalition forces over 165 times in Iraq, Syria, and in a drone attack on a Jordanian facility on January 28. The US carried out 85 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on February 2 in response, with both countries claiming resulting civilian casualties, injuries, and property destruction. Wood maintained that these actions were necessary and proportionate, reiterating the condemnation of attacks on their sovereignty.

Wood emphasized that the United States is actively striving to contain and de-escalate the conflict in Gaza and does not seek further hostilities in the region. He clarified that the US has no intention of engaging in a direct conflict with Iran but will steadfastly defend its personnel against unacceptable attacks.

Accusing Iran of failing to control its extremist proxies, Wood called on the other 14 council members, particularly those with direct communication channels to Iran, to exert pressure on Iranian leaders to rein in their militias and put an end to these attacks. He also urged them to press the Syrian regime to cease providing a platform for Iran to destabilize the region.

Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, countered by asserting the independence of all resistance groups in the region. He argued that these groups have legitimate rights to address issues such as ending the alleged illegal US presence in Iraq and Syria, halting killings in Gaza, and terminating Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Iravani deemed any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its armed forces as misleading, baseless, and unacceptable. He further informed the council that Iran has never sought to contribute to a spillover of the conflict, emphasizing its absence of military presence in Iraq and the presence of military advisors in Syria at the government’s invitation to combat terrorism.

Iravani rejected claims of attacks on Iranian bases in Iraq and Syria, dismissing such allegations as unfounded attempts to divert attention from what he labeled as aggressive actions by the US.

UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the council, urging all parties to heed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call to step back from the brink and consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict. She reiterated the call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and action to promote a political roadmap to peace in the region.

China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun, a Russian ally, echoed concerns about escalating tensions and actions, pointing a finger at the United States. He contended that despite the US assertion of not seeking conflicts, its military actions are undeniably fueling new turmoil in the region and intensifying tensions.

Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, defended the sovereignty of Iraq and Syria. He expressed concern that US airstrikes could further worsen the already precarious situation, warning of potential escalation. Bendjama emphasized the belief that force is not and will never be the means for peace and stability, urging restraint and de-escalation.

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