Melania Trump chairs UN Security Council meeting on children in conflict amid Iran strikes
BBC World
March 3, 2026
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First Lady Melania Trump made history by presiding over a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on children affected by conflict, marking the first time a world leader's spouse has chaired such an event. The meeting, held in New York as the US assumed its rotating presidency of the UN council, centered on education's role in promoting tolerance and peace for children caught in global conflicts. Trump emphasized the importance of protecting children's rights and access to education, especially in war-torn regions, while also expressing condolences to families of fallen US service members without referencing specific military actions.
During the meeting, UN officials highlighted the severe impact of conflict on children, noting that schools in Israel, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman had closed due to ongoing regional military operations. Iranian officials reported a strike near Minab that killed 153 people, including children, accusing the US and Israel without providing evidence. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would not intentionally target schools, with Central Command investigating reports of such incidents.
The meeting drew criticism from Iran's UN ambassador, who called it hypocritical given the timing of the US military actions in Iran. Despite this, Trump reaffirmed the US commitment to children worldwide, calling for peace and urging a swift recovery for those injured. The event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by children in conflict zones and highlights the importance of global cooperation to address these issues.
This moment marks a significant step in advocacy for children affected by war, leveraging Trump's role as First
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026