The United States under President Donald Trump has brought a new action-based approach to the Middle East that has achieved real results, said Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations.
In Gaza, the Security Council moved beyond rhetoric and endorsed a political framework aimed at ending the conflict with its historic Resolution 2803, endorsing President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan. That framework has facilitated humanitarian assistance, secured the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the return of remains, and established a realistic pathway towards long-term stability through the Board of Peace and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
In Lebanon, President Trump’s leadership brokered historic talks between the governments of Israel and Lebanon. Peace requires that sovereign governments - not terrorist proxies - exercise control over their territory, said Ambassador Locetta. Israel and Lebanon announced a ceasefire on June 3rd. “We look forward to that agreement’s full implementation and continued negotiations toward a more comprehensive peace agreement.”
On Syria, following President Trump’s historic decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, the Security Council first delisted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and then Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham from the sanctions regime. “Our bold actions recognize Syria’s transition to a new chapter,” stated Ambassador Locetta. “We have bolstered the Syrian government’s efforts to reintegrate with the international community, counter terrorism and drug trafficking, eliminate the remnants of chemical weapons, and secure much needed foreign humanitarian aid and development assistance for the benefit of the Syrian people.”
The United States supports the work of Special Presidential Envoy for Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack as he promotes engagement among the parties and between Syria and Israel.
And on Iran, the international community has demonstrated that diplomacy and accountability go hand in hand. The Security Council’s sanctions architecture and snapback mechanism were created precisely because dialogue without consequences failed to prevent destabilizing behavior. “Effective diplomacy requires leverage, credibility, and enforcement,” stressed Ambassador Locetta.
Many conflicts in the region, she warned, are fueled by the malign behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran with political and financial support from certain members of the Security Council.
Iran is holding the world’s economy hostage by unlawfully attempting to restrict freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. It continues to back the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militias in Iraq. Iran’s nuclear program has threatened peace and security for years.
The United States once again condemns in the strongest terms possible Iran’s recent attacks against its neighbors.
Russia and China have continued to shield Iran by vetoing a draft resolution in April that would have authorized action to secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The challenge before the Security Council is to ensure that dialogue produces action. The United States remains committed to diplomacy that reduces conflict, protects civilians, and advances a stable and peaceful Middle East. All member states should join in working to achieve that goal.