Iran’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs led a delegation to New York on Monday to participate in two UN Security Council meetings focusing on the escalating situation in the Middle East.

The meetings are chaired by Russia’s foreign minister under the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council held by Vassily A. Nebenzia. The sessions aim to discuss the future global security architecture and the United Nations' role in establishing global peace.

However, the participation of Iran in these discussions has led to backlash amid its proxy aggression across the Middle East, nuclear ambitions, and human rights abuses at home.

Iran's proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq are all currently part of a circle attacking both Israel and US targets in the Middle East amid the war in Gaza. Yemen's Houthis are also currently blockading the Red Sea region, targeting commercial shipping.

The open debate on the Middle East, scheduled for July 17, will feature Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and will spotlight the ongoing situation in Palestine.