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First Lady leads UN Security Council session
Melania Trump became the first spouse of a world leader to preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, focusing on the impact of war on children's education as U.S. military operations continue in the Middle East.
Education as a path to peace
Addressing the council in New York, Trump emphasized the role of education in fostering tolerance and global stability. She stated that the U.S. stands with children worldwide, expressing hope for peace in conflict zones.
"The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours."
Melania Trump
Condolences to U.S. service members
Trump paid tribute to fallen American troops and wished a swift recovery to those injured, though she did not directly reference ongoing military actions. "Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered," she said.
Global impact of conflict on children
UN Under-Secretary General Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the severe consequences of war on children, noting school closures in Israel, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman due to recent hostilities. She also cited reports of an airstrike on an elementary school in Iran's Minab, which Iranian officials claim killed 153 people.
Iran has accused the U.S. and Israel of responsibility for the attack. The U.S. military's Central Command is investigating the incident, while Israel's Defense Forces stated they were "not aware" of any operations in the area.
Diplomatic tensions surface
Before the meeting, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani criticized the U.S. for convening the session on its first day as Security Council president, calling it "deeply shameful and hypocritical."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded by asserting that the U.S. does not deliberately target schools.
Historic presidency
The U.S. assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this month, with Trump's participation announced in late February. Her leadership of the session marks a first for a world leader's spouse.
