Washington — First lady Melania Trump presided over Monday’s meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York City about education’s role in “advancing tolerance and world peace,” as the U.S. military continues strikes in Iran.
In her opening remarks, the first lady offered “heartfelt condolences” for the families of lost service members and said she hopes peace will belong to the children of the world, without mentioning the ongoing U.S. military operation by name.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom,” she said. “Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered. I extend my earnest wishes for a swift and smooth recovery to all those who have been injured. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these challenging times. The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon, peace will be yours.”
U.N. Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo of the United States was more specific in her opening remarks.
“Our reality is clear — when conflicts erupt, children are among those most severely affected. We have been reminded of this truth over the last two days,” DiCarlo said. “Schools in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman have closed and moved to remote learning owing to the ongoing military operations in the region. And we are aware of the reports from Iran about the death of possibly dozens of children, allegedly as the result of a strike that hit an elementary school in the town of Minab. United States authorities have announced they are looking into these reports.”
CBS News has not independently verified the strike that allegedly struck a school.
“Clearly, the United States would not deliberately target a school,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Capitol Hill, while saying he doesn’t have all the details.
Such U.N. Security Council meetings often consist of representatives from various countries delivering statements. Russia is a permanent member of the council, and one of Russia’s representatives spoke during the meeting Monday, 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 nearly two hours.
The White House confirmed last week that the first lady would preside over the U.N. panel, but that was before the U.S. and Israel launched the joint military mission in Iran over the weekend. One of those strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Six service members have been killed so far, according to the Pentagon, and many more have been injured in the operation.
In announcing the first lady presiding over the council, the White House said the meeting is focused on “education’s role in advancing tolerance and world peace.” Melania Trump is the first first lady to chair a meeting of the council. The first lady has made the safety of children in the digital age a priority issue.
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