"A new victim of the Israeli war machine is Lebanon," Nebenzia said. "After intense shelling of Lebanese cities, its southern neighbor launched a ground operation in that country."
He added that Iran only took military action "after a series of political liquidations, including the assassination of Hamas Executive Council Head Haniyeh, Hezbollah Secretary General Nasrallah and a number of other leaders of movements opposing Israel," and showed "exceptional restraint" for two months.
The Russian diplomat noted that statements from Western countries give the impression that "the only problem facing the Council is the response to Iran's missile strike."
"It is hard to imagine what role in the diplomatic process with such an assessment of the situation one can count on. It's as if this all happened 'in a vacuum'," Nebenzia added. "As if nothing is happening and did not happen in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Yemen, which led to a new most dangerous round of the growing Middle East conflict."
There is a strong impression that the US is negotiating the release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the enclave with itself, the envoy noted.
"For the sake of its Middle East ally, Washington has already used its veto power five times in the Security Council and since the beginning of July has been deliberately trying to lead us all around by the nose," Nebenzia charged, "publicizing its notorious 'plan Biden' and its quiet diplomacy to broker a deal between Hamas and Israel."
"Frankly speaking, all this gives the impression that Washington is conducting these indirect negotiations with itself," he added.
The UN Security Council may consider adopting new resolutions on Lebanon amid the escalating conflict in the region, and given the non-implementation of the 2006 resolution 1701 that was meant to keep the peace following Israel's last invasion of the country.
"Right after the meeting, we will hold informal consultations and see what documents can be proposed by the members," Nebenzia told reporters later.
When asked whether Tehran had warned Moscow before Israel's attack, Nebenzia stressed that Iran is a sovereign state that makes its own decisions.