US envoy to UN says time 'limited' for Iran nuclear talks

​​​​​​HAMILTON, Canada

Time is running out for a diplomatic resolution to Iran's nuclear program, the US said Tuesday as it accused Tehran of fueling instability across the Middle East through support for proxy groups.

"Fresh thinking is needed to bring about a durable peace and prosperity that provides opportunities for all the region’s people," US Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Dorothy Shea said at a Security Council meeting.

Arguing that Iran poses a threat to millions in the region, Shea claimed that Tehran's destabilizing campaign threatens Iranians and the safety of the international community.

Noting US President Donald Trump's statement that there are two paths for Iran to end its nuclear program, she said, " The United States prefers a negotiated resolution. Time, however, is limited. If Iran refuses to abandon its nuclear weapons program, we must hold it accountable."

Shea pledged that the US would continue working with regional partners.

"The United States will do its part to help forge a new reality, alongside Israel and our Arab partners," she said, adding that "real, meaningful diplomacy remains within reach."

Highlighting the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Shea said: "No one wants to see Palestinian civilians in Gaza go hungry or thirsty," adding that a ceasefire agreement would create conditions for humanitarian aid to resume.

Shea accused Hamas of preventing a ceasefire agreement from being reached, claiming that the Palestinian resistance group allegedly rejected a proposal made two weeks ago.

Shea stressed that Hamas must leave Gaza, and the Security Council should apply pressure to that end.

"Gaza's future must begin with Hamas leaving. Meetings or international conferences will not change this reality," she said.