Melania Trump chairs UN Security Council meeting as US continues strikes on Iran
Washington — First lady Melania Trump moderated Monday’s meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York City on the role of education in “advancing tolerance and peace in the world,” as an organization US military continues strikes in Iran.
In her opening speech, the first lady expressed her “heartfelt condolences” to the families of service members who lost their lives and said she hoped peace would be for the children of the world, without mentioning the ongoing US military campaign by name.
“I sympathize with the families who lost their heroes who sacrificed their lives to be free,” he said. “Their courage and sacrifice will always be remembered. I extend my sincere wishes for a speedy and speedy recovery to all those injured. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult times. The US stands with all children around the world. I hope soon, peace will be with you.”
UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo of the United States was even more precise in her opening remarks.
“Our reality is clear – when conflicts break out, children are among those most affected. We have been reminded of this fact two days ago,” said DiCarlo. “Schools in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman have closed and moved to remote learning due to ongoing military operations in the region. We are also aware of reports from Iran about the possible death of dozens of children, allegedly due to a strike that hit a primary school in the city of Minab. United States authorities have announced that they are looking into these reports.”
CBS News has not independently confirmed the alleged strike at the school.
“Obviously, the United States will not intentionally target a school,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Capitol Hill, while saying he did not have all the details.
Such UN Security Council meetings often have representatives from various countries presenting statements. Russia is a full member of the council, and one of Russia’s representatives spoke at the meeting on Monday, as other members complained about the safety of children in Ukraine. Melania Trump has worked to repatriate Ukrainian children from Russia and reunite them with their families.
The first lady ended the meeting after two hours.
The White House confirmed last week that the first lady would chair the UN panel, but that was before the US and Israel launched a joint military operation in Iran over the weekend. One of those strikes killed an Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Six service members they have been killed so faraccording to the Pentagon, and many were injured in the operation.
In announcing the first lady to chair the council, the White House said the meeting focused on “the role of education in advancing tolerance and peace in the world.” Melania Trump is the first woman to chair the House of Commons. The first lady has made the safety of children in the digital age a priority.
