UN Warns of Catastrophe as US and Iran Exchange Strikes

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that renewed military hostilities between the United States and Iran could cause catastrophic consequences for global peace and the international economy. The escalation followed the collapse of a fragile June ceasefire, beginning with Iranian attacks on vessels in international waters and the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the United States launched strikes on approximately 140 targets in Iran, including sites near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, citing Tehran's interference with shipping on a US-backed Omani route.

Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at a U.S. base in Jordan and military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The Bahrain Defence Force reported intercepting several aerial attacks, accusing Iran of a systematic hostile approach. The conflict has effectively halted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, stranding 6,000 seafarers and driving up energy prices.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the UN's stance, asserting that the strikes were lawful acts of self-defense following US-Israel attacks on February 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. While Tehran claims the Strait of Hormuz was closed on Sunday, Washington has denied this. Egypt and Saudi Arabia joined the UN in calling for immediate de-escalation to protect global energy security and freedom of navigation.