Iran Says it Never Attacked US Military Forces

Iranian drones (IRNA)
Iranian drones (IRNA)
TT

Iran Says it Never Attacked US Military Forces

Iranian drones (IRNA)
Iranian drones (IRNA)

Iran has denied what it called the baseless accusations that it participated in attacks against US forces.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani asserted that Iran has never carried out any action or attack against the US military forces in Syria or other places.

Addressing the Security Council meeting regarding the situation in the Middle East on Wednesday, Iravani said "the baseless accusations of the US against my country will be categorically rejected in this meeting."

"These baseless accusations appear to be part of a deliberate attempt by the United States to divert attention from the serious violations of international law and the UN Charter in Syria," he said, according to the Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

The diplomat said: "I would like to emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran has never been involved in any acts or attacks against US military forces in Syria or elsewhere."

He added that Iran has consistently upheld its commitments to promoting peace and security in the region.

Iravani stated the US must stop its "unlawful actions in Syria, end its illegal occupation, and comply with its international legal obligations, including the pertinent resolutions of the Security Council, which require all Member States to uphold and respect Syria's national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity."

He said Washington "claims to be fighting terrorism in Syria; in reality, its unlawful actions in Syria provide immunity and a protective shield for terrorist organizations to advance the US political agenda and the Israeli regime in the region."



Ukraine’s Leader Urges EU Leaders to Meet Arms Promises as Security Pact Signed

27 June 2024, Belgium, Brussels: The leaders of the European Union pose for a group photo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels. (dpa)
27 June 2024, Belgium, Brussels: The leaders of the European Union pose for a group photo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels. (dpa)
TT

Ukraine’s Leader Urges EU Leaders to Meet Arms Promises as Security Pact Signed

27 June 2024, Belgium, Brussels: The leaders of the European Union pose for a group photo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels. (dpa)
27 June 2024, Belgium, Brussels: The leaders of the European Union pose for a group photo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels on the first day of the two-day EU summit in Brussels. (dpa)

Ukraine’s president called on European Union leaders on Thursday to live up to their promises to provide military equipment to his war-ravaged country, as the bloc pledged to support the government in Kyiv long term.

"Fulfilment of every promise is important, not only in terms of protecting lives but also to destroy the Russian illusion that they will achieve something by war," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the leaders at an EU summit in Brussels.

Russian forces are seeking to press their advantage in troop numbers and weaponry before Ukraine’s armed forces are bulked up by promised new Western military aid, some of which is trickling to the front line, analysts say.

Zelenskyy thanked countries that have promised equipment, weapons and ammunition, but underlined that "we need them urgently on the battlefield." He also appealed for more help on "the urgent things -– air defense, that is one."

Zelenskyy and the leaders signed a 12-page document of "joint security commitments" to each other. In essence, it encapsulates what the 27-nation bloc has been doing for the country in terms of financial, military and other assistance since Russian forces invaded in February 2022.

The EU, for its part, commits to the "predictable, efficient, sustainable and long-term provision of military equipment," help with military training and building Ukraine's defense sector, plus increased cooperation on cyber and hybrid threats, like information manipulation and interference.

It also vows to help with mine clearance, security and law enforcement reform, energy security and nuclear safety, as well as assistance with rebuilding Ukraine's shattered infrastructure, hospitals and buildings, and to hold accountable those suspected of war crimes.

Ukraine promised to uphold European values and continue on its reform path in preparation to join the EU, including by ensuring civilian control over its security and defense forces. It also pledged to boost transparency and accountability in the way that it uses EU assistance.

Several countries already have similar bilateral agreements with Ukraine, offering a long-term commitment to help Kyiv, including once its war with Russia is over. Zelenskyy and US President Joe Biden signed one such pact earlier this month which will run for the next decade.

The EU's document was signed in the same week that it launched membership talks with Ukraine, a decade after Russian troops seized the Crimean Peninsula to deter the country from moving closer to the West, part of a chain of events that set the two neighbors on the path to war.

"We waited for this a long period of time," Zelenskyy told reporters, thanking the EU for its approval.

The bloc is notably concerned about rampant corruption in Ukraine and this must be corrected before the country can join. The accession process is likely to take several years.