Michael Waltz defends Trump’s Iran strikes at UN, warns 'inaction' risks nuclear escalation
🇺🇸U.S. Ambassador Waltz says when the UN can’t get its moral act together, the U.S. will.
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 28, 2026
He says Iran’s unprovoked hits on regional partners are exactly why these moves are needed.pic.twitter.com/XhkfiXJCKH
WASHINGTON, DC: At an emergency UN Security Council session, US Ambassador Michael Waltz defended the recent strikes on Iran, describing them as a strategic move to neutralize threats in the region. Waltz stressed that the operation was carefully planned to protect US interests and global stability.
Trump confirmed on Truth Social that the mission, called 'Operation Epic Fury,' struck key targets, including Iran’s top leadership, and disrupted its missile and nuclear programs.
Michael Waltz tells UN inaction could cost more than decisive measures
Waltz said the strikes were aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile development, weakening its naval forces, and disrupting networks arming proxy militias. He highlighted Iran’s support for groups such as the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas, which have fueled prolonged regional instability.
“History shows that the price of inaction is far greater than the burden of decisive steps,” Waltz told the council, adding that the US action followed careful assessment of potential consequences.
Some Security Council members, including Russia and Bahrain, questioned the justification for the strikes. Waltz countered that failing to act could allow Iran to advance nuclear capabilities, a risk he said would have long-term consequences far worse than the recent military action.
Trump vows Iran will never develop nuclear weapons
The airstrikes followed weeks of stalled negotiations, during which Iran ignored repeated US warnings to halt nuclear development. Trump warned Tehran that failing to reach an agreement would trigger serious consequences.
In a video posted early on February 29, Trump emphasized the US stance, “The message is simple, Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon.” Israel confirmed that the joint operation targeted the Supreme Leader and President Masoud Pezeshkian specifically.
The strikes were described as precise and strategic, with Waltz underscoring that the aim was not broader conflict but preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear threat. Analysts say the US action signals a more assertive stance in the Middle East, reinforcing commitments to allies in the region.
