The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2026, to address the deadly protests in Iran and growing concerns over potential US military intervention. The session, requested by the United States, brought together diplomats from the 15-member body to discuss the escalating crisis that has claimed thousands of lives.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz delivered a stark warning during the proceedings, emphasizing that President Trump remains committed to action rather than diplomatic rhetoric. He stated that all options remain on the table to stop what he described as the ongoing slaughter of peaceful protesters by Iranian security forces. The Trump administration has repeatedly signaled its willingness to consider military options if the violence continues.
Iran's deputy permanent representative to the UN firmly rejected accusations against the regime, dismissing reports of security forces killing protesters as fabricated narratives. The Iranian diplomat claimed that security forces were confronting armed terrorist cells with connections to ISIS, and warned that while Iran does not seek confrontation, it would respond decisively to any US aggression. Tehran has consistently blamed external forces, particularly Washington, for orchestrating the unrest.
Russia and China voiced strong support for Iran during the meeting. Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia declared Moscow's solidarity with Tehran, asserting that hostile external forces are attempting to exploit the situation. China's representative echoed similar sentiments, maintaining that Iranian affairs should be decided independently by the Iranian people without foreign interference.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee expressed alarm at public statements suggesting possible military strikes on Iran, warning that such external threats add volatility to an already combustible situation. Human rights monitors have documented mass arrests exceeding 18,000 detainees as of mid-January, while death toll estimates from the crackdown continue to rise amid a week-long internet blackout imposed by authorities.
The Security Council also heard testimony from civil society representatives, including Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, who called for concrete action to bring justice for victims of the crackdown. She urged the international community to move beyond statements and take meaningful steps to hold those responsible for ordering massacres accountable.
The emergency meeting concluded without a unified resolution, highlighting the deep divisions among Security Council members over how to respond to the crisis. Western nations called for accountability and protection of protesters, while Russia and China blocked any measures that could be seen as interference in Iranian internal affairs. The situation remains volatile as the international community grapples with competing priorities of human rights protection and geopolitical interests.