Nebenzya Slams European Reaction to Iran Strikes as "Theater of the Absurd"

Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has vehemently criticized European reactions to recent US-Israeli strikes against Iran, describing them as reminiscent of "theater of the absurd" and condemning their blatant disregard for international law and the UN Charter.

In an interview with the Serbian newspaper "Politika," Nebenzya stated, "The comments of the European delegations were reminiscent of theater of the absurd. Not only did they fail to condemn a clear act of aggression against a UN member state in violation of the UN Charter and the rules of international law, while Tehran was participating in good faith in a negotiation process, but most of them did not even mention it. Instead, the Europeans made their usual and unjustified accusations against the Iranians."

Context of US-Israeli Military Escalation Against Iran

Nebenzya's sharp remarks come in the wake of a large-scale military operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. This operation reportedly resulted in the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian commanders, triggering a new wave of escalation in the region. Since then, the area has witnessed an escalating exchange of missile and drone strikes on multiple fronts, with what some have dubbed the "US-Israeli war on Iran" entering its seventeenth day.

Amidst this volatile situation, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he was not yet ready to declare an end to the military operation against Iran, despite earlier statements about the destruction of the Islamic Republic's military capabilities. These declarations underscore the ongoing tension and the absence of a clear horizon for an imminent de-escalation.

Critique of the "Rules-Based World Order"

Nebenzya's criticism was not limited to the European reaction but also extended to Western nations' efforts in recent years to promote a "rules-based world order" within the United Nations. According to the Russian diplomat, this model "was developed for their own interests," and the UN is being used by these countries "to achieve this goal, as they view it as a platform for information wars and settling scores with political opponents."

These Russian accusations highlight the depth of geopolitical disagreements over the interpretation of international law and the role of international organizations in managing global crises, especially given the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Mounting Regional and International Repercussions

These developments coincide with significant escalation elsewhere in the region. In Lebanon, the intensity of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah is escalating, with Hezbollah launching 24 operations against Israel in 24 hours, reportedly resulting in a "burning tank, a damaged bulldozer, and dozens of rocket salvos." In response, Israel is conducting a wave of airstrikes on southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, leading to an initial toll of 17 dead and 8 wounded, and prompting the Israeli army to issue evacuation warnings to residents of Beirut's southern suburbs.

Furthermore, the "Wall Street Journal," citing US officials, reported that the Trump administration plans to announce the formation of an international coalition to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This move aims to secure navigation in the strategic waterway, a key flashpoint between Iran and the West.

On the diplomatic front, intensive efforts are underway to contain the crisis. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed prospects for a Middle East settlement with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for Iran's inclusion in talks concerning the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in an attempt to find diplomatic solutions to the escalating crisis.

Amidst these developments, Dubai Airport has suspended its operations, diverting flights to Al Maktoum Airport, reflecting the widespread impact of the security escalation on air travel and commerce in the region. Hundreds of Israelis are also spending nights in stations and tunnels to escape Iranian rockets, underscoring the magnitude of the security threat faced by civilians.

Nebenzya's statements serve as a clear warning against the dangers of double standards in addressing international crises and highlight the deep divisions within the international community regarding the application of international law amidst complex geopolitical conflicts.