First lady Melania Trump paid tribute to the families of fallen soldiers who died in connection to the U.S. strikes against Iran during the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom,” the first lady 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,” she continued. “The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours.”
MELANIA TRUMP CALLS INAUGURAL DRESS ‘AMERICA’S DESTINY’ SYMBOL AT SMITHSONIAN EVENT
President Donald Trump launched a joint operation with Israel against Iran on Saturday. The president has claimed the operation could go on for four to five weeks and that it would be waged, in part, to honor the American service members killed by Tehran’s retaliatory attacks.
“Today, we grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action, and send our love and support to their families,” the president said. “In their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses to the American people, and a threat, indeed it is.”
Melania Trump’s comments at the U.N. Security Council marked the first time a sitting first lady has presided over a meeting. The first lady gaveled the U.S. presidency of the security council on Monday, as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz sat behind her.
The U.S. is presiding over the meeting, taking over from the United Kingdom in February. The security council has a rotating presidency of the 15-member council.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute on behalf of the council to the delegation of the United Kingdom for its service as president of the Council for the month of February,” the first lady said.
The appearance at the U.N. meeting is one of the few limited public appearances centered on family-friendly matters.
“Enduring peace will be achieved when knowledge and understanding are fully valued within all societies,” the first lady said.
She also urged the meeting that “Now is the time for our generation to elevate our children above ideology through access to wisdom.”
More than 150 children have been killed at an elementary girls’ school in Minab, in southern Iran, after Operation Epic Fury was authorized.
“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,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, under-secretary-general for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, during the Monday meeting.
