UN Secretary-General Guterres condemns US-Israeli strikes on IranUS-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliation
The United States and Israel conducted military strikes on Iranian targets, including its nuclear program, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory attacks across the Middle East targeting countries like Bahrain, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned both sides' actions during an emergency UN Security Council meeting on February 28-29, 2026, warning of risks to regional stability and calling for de-escalation and dialogue. The incident, which reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, deepened diplomatic divisions and threatened broader conflict.
UN Leadership
Guterres condemned the US-Israeli use of force against Iran and Iran's subsequent retaliation as violations undermining peace. He stressed adherence to the UN Charter prohibiting threats to territorial integrity. All parties must halt hostilities and pursue diplomacy to avert wider conflict.
Iranian Perspective
Iran described its regional strikes as lawful self-defense against hostile forces. It vowed to continue until US-Israeli aggression ends fully. The actions targeted bases and assets posing threats to Iran.
Gulf States
Bahrain, speaking for the GCC, rejected Iran's strikes as unprovoked aggression against neighbors. It condemned attacks on civilians and infrastructure as violations of international norms. The retaliation lacked any justification.
Israel
Israel called UN condemnation of its strikes hypocritical, citing Iran's proxies, nuclear program, and missile threats. The US-Israeli action prevented an immediate danger. Iran bears responsibility for regional instability.
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led Iran since 1989, outlasting multiple US presidents.
- The UN Security Council held an emergency session requested by Bahrain, France, Russia, China, and Colombia.
- Iran's retaliation hit seven Gulf states, from Bahrain to the UAE.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
