Melania Trump chairs UN Security Council meeting as US continues attacks on Iran

Washington — First lady Melania Trump chaired Monday’s meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York City on the role of education in “advancing tolerance and world peace,” as the US military continues attacks in Iran.

In her opening remarks, the first lady offered “her deepest condolences” to the families of lost service members and said she hopes peace belongs to the children of the world, without mentioning by name the ongoing U.S. military operation.

“My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom,” he said. “Your bravery and dedication will always be remembered. I extend my sincere wishes for a speedy and smooth recovery to all those who have been injured. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult times. America stands with all the children around the world. I hope that peace will soon be yours.”

UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo of the United States was more specific in her opening remarks.

“Our reality is clear: when conflicts break out, children are among the hardest hit. We have been reminded of this truth over the past two days,” DiCarlo said. “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. And we are aware of reports from Iran of the deaths of possibly dozens of children, allegedly as a result of an attack that hit an elementary school in the city of Minab. US authorities have announced that they are investigating these reports.”

News themezone has not independently verified the strike that reportedly affected a school.

“Clearly, the United States would not deliberately attack a school,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the Capitol, although he said he did not have all the details.

Representatives of various countries often participate in these UN Security Council meetings and make statements. Russia is a permanent member of the council, and one of Russia’s representatives spoke during Monday’s meeting, even as other members lamented the safety of children in Ukraine. Melania Trump has worked to return Ukrainian children from Russia and reunite them with their families.

The first lady concluded the meeting after almost two hours.

The White House confirmed last week that the first lady would chair the U.N. panel, but that was before the United States and Israel launched the joint military mission in Iran over the weekend. One of those attacks killed an Iranian. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Six service members have been killed so faraccording to the Pentagon, and many more have been injured in the operation.

In announcing the first lady who will chair the council, the White House said the meeting will focus on “the role of education in advancing tolerance and world peace.” Melania Trump is the first first lady to chair a council meeting. The first lady has made children’s safety in the digital age a priority issue.