<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Delegates from <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/russia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Russia</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/china/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">China</a> expressed criticism of the United States’ actions regarding <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/iran/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Iran</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/cuba/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cuba</a> during their speeches at the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/united-nations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">United Nations</a> General Assembly on Saturday.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/sergey-lavrov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sergey Lavrov</a> and China’s Vice President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3290461/china-send-vice-president-han-zheng-trump-inauguration/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Han Zheng</a> criticized the U.S. stance on the Iranian regime amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It is unacceptable that force was used to kill the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/ali-khamenei/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ali Khamenei</a>, and members of his family, military, and political leadership,” Lavrov stated. He expressed concern over U.S. and Israeli actions targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lavrov also highlighted the importance of stability in the region, particularly in the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/strait-of-hormuz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Strait of Hormuz</a>, citing the impact of airstrikes on global navigation and trade.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zheng emphasized the need to protect the post-war international order and promote lasting peace based on common security, stating, “China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both officials voiced support for Gaza, with Lavrov describing the recognition of Palestinian statehood as a key issue in the Middle East.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">They also criticized the U.S. energy blockade of Cuba. Zheng urged the U.S. to cease using threats against Cuba and to lift the blockade, while Lavrov insisted that the U.S. lift its restrictions on trade with Cuba and remove it from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lavrov described the humanitarian situation in Cuba as dire, stating, “We stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and its government.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> addressed U.S. policy towards Cuba prior to the speeches, indicating that he did not foresee the need for military action.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zheng and Lavrov’s remarks present a contrasting viewpoint to U.S. foreign policy, particularly as Trump has highlighted recent communications with leaders from both countries.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lavrov criticized Western powers, stating, “The Western minority, which dominated for 500 years thanks to others’ resources, continues to try to maintain its privileges and impose its own rules on everyone else.”</p>