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22.06.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Briefing at Emergency Meeting on Iran

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 22.06.2025

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Thank you, Madam President,

 

I also thank the Secretary-General Guterres, Assistant Secretary General Jenca and Director General Grossi for their briefings and updates.

 

Madam President,

 

We are meeting again today, as the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate. Attacks between Israel and Iran have continued since our last meeting on Friday. Civilian casualties and widespread suffering continue to rise on both sides.

 

Last night, a targeted operation was carried out by the United States against three nuclear facilities in Iran.

 

The continued escalation in the Middle East is a cause for great concern and poses a grave risk to international peace and security.

 

Madam President,

 

Denmark urges all parties to abide by their obligations under the UN Charter and international law.

 

All parties must ensure protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law.

 

Furthermore - and keeping in mind the words of Director General Grossi two days ago to this Council - all actions should be taken and the necessary restraint shown to reduce the risk of nuclear accidents, which could have devastating effects for the civilian population and the environment.

 

Madam President,

 

Denmark has persistently underlined that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. That would be a serious threat to regional and global security.

 

We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about Iran’s accelerating nuclear trajectory and the fact that the IAEA is unable to assure that the Iranian nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

 

We welcome that the IAEA continues to monitor the situation and provide information on the nuclear safety and security implications. And, we stress the importance of a continued and timely exchange of information between Iran and the IAEA regarding issues related to nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

 

Madam President,

 

The current trajectory is unsustainable and fraught with danger – not only for the region, but for international peace and security at large.

 

De-escalation is not only necessary. It is urgent.

 

We call on all actors to step back from the brink to prevent further escalation in Middle East. We urge Iran to engage in negotiations and not to take any further action that could destabilise the region.

 

At this critical moment, it is important that all parties refrain from steps that could lead to serious regional and global consequences.

 

We further stress the need to protect maritime security and international trade routes, including via the strait of Hormuz.

 

Madam President, in closing,

 

Now is the time to return to negotiations in order to reach a diplomatic solution.

 

We call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, and to engage in a diplomatic negotiated solution, which is the only viable path towards lasting peace in the region and beyond. DK stands ready to work with all parties to that effect.

 

Thank you.