Waltz calls out Iranian diplomat at UN following drone strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait

On July 2, 2026, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz delivered a sharp rebuke to Iran’s representative at the UN Security Council, responding to allegations that the U.S. and its allies were fabricating stories about recent Iranian attacks on Gulf countries. The confrontation occurred during an emergency session convened to address escalating tensions following a series of Iranian drone and missile strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait. Waltz emphasized that the U.S. would not tolerate attempts to suppress truth-telling at the UN, stating clearly, “This is not Tehran. This is the United States of America. This is the United Nations Security Council. You will not silence this body.”

The incident followed a tense exchange between Waltz and Iranian envoy Amir Saeid Iravani, who had argued that the council should not meet and accused the U.S., Bahrain, and other members of spreading false information about Iran’s actions. Iravani claimed that Iran’s attacks were purely defensive responses to U.S. military operations conducted from bases in the region. He further criticized the U.S. and its allies for their alleged double standards and lack of credibility to criticize Iran.

Waltz countered these claims by presenting visual evidence of the damage caused by Iranian attacks, including images of a family’s home in Bahrain destroyed by a Shahed drone, a tourist-filled hotel hit by a missile, and a facility used by first responders that was deliberately targeted. He questioned whether such incidents could be considered lies, emphasizing that the council was there to address these issues rather than ignore them. His comments underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting the real-world consequences of the attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, provided detailed statistics on the scale of the attacks, noting that since late February, Iran had launched 808 strikes, consisting of 203 ballistic missiles and over 600 armed drones. These attacks resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to 465 others, with many targets being residential neighborhoods, hospitals, and essential infrastructure. Al-Zayani condemned Iran’s actions as disproportionate and unjustified, arguing that the attacks were not limited to military installations but extended into civilian life.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has escalated amid ongoing disputes over a fragile ceasefire agreement. On June 27, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar systems, citing violations of the agreement by Iran. In response, Iran has maintained that its actions were necessary self-defense measures against perceived threats posed by U.S. military presence in the region.

Tensions have also raised concerns about the stability of international trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil shipments. Waltz warned that Iran’s actions risk holding the world economy hostage, stressing the need for a diplomatic solution that allows for the free flow of commerce without jeopardizing national security. He called for a transformative approach that could benefit ordinary Iranians by encouraging a change in course from Tehran.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community faces mounting pressure to find a resolution that addresses both the immediate security concerns and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict. With the UN Security Council serving as a platform for dialogue, the outcome of these discussions will likely shape future relations between the U.S., Iran, and other stakeholders in the region. The challenge ahead involves balancing deterrence with diplomacy, ensuring that the voices of all affected parties are heard, and working toward a sustainable peace that prevents further escalation of hostilities.