By: Aminata Sesay
At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Sierra Leone expressed deep concern over recent military strikes by the State of Israel on Iranian territory. The country condemned the attacks as violations of international law and a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.
Sierra Leone’s representative, Dr. Jimmy Kandeh, thanked the President of the Security Council for convening the meeting and acknowledged the Secretary-General and other briefers for their insights into the situation. He described the strikes as a “clear breach of the UN Charter and international law,” warning that such actions, especially when left unaddressed, set a dangerous precedent particularly for smaller nations vulnerable to similar aggression.
The attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians, prompting Sierra Leone’s strong condemnation. Referring to a letter submitted by Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN on June 13 (Document S/2025/379), Kandeh emphasized the importance of respecting Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing international law and the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force across borders.
Kandeh also expressed alarm over the potential risks of attacks near nuclear facilities. Citing warnings from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi, Sierra Leone highlighted the catastrophic consequences such military actions could have not only for the immediate region but for global peace, environmental safety, and human life.
In a call for restraint, Kandeh echoed the Secretary-General’s appeal for de-escalation and diplomacy. “This is a time for diplomacy, not confrontation,” he said, urging all parties involved to recommit to peaceful dialogue and negotiation.
While acknowledging the Middle East’s long history of conflict and mistrust, Sierra Leone expressed faith in diplomacy’s ability to transform even the most difficult situations. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed efforts both regional and international to secure peace and mutual security guarantees.
Sierra Leone reiterated its longstanding position that lasting peace depends on negotiations grounded in international law and the principles of the UN Charter. It stressed the need to avoid provocative or retaliatory actions that could escalate into broader regional conflict.
The country also voiced strong support for the IAEA’s mission to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy, urging all member states to cooperate fully with the agency and respect its independence and impartiality.
“The international community cannot afford further escalation,” Kandeh stated. “The cost in human lives, environmental degradation, economic disruption, and regional instability would be far too high.”
Concluding his statement, Kandeh appealed to global leaders and influential states to prioritize dialogue over confrontation and reminded the Security Council of its responsibility to uphold peace and international law.
He also expressed regret over the postponement of a planned high-level conference on the Palestine-Israel conflict and the two-state solution, delayed due to recent attacks. Sierra Leone hopes the conference will be reconvened soon, calling it “a crucial step toward advancing a just and lasting peace.”
“The world is watching,” Kandeh said in closing. “History will judge the choices made in this defining moment.”