UN Warns of Escalation After US Threatens Iran Economic D-Day

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over a potential escalation of hostilities between the United States and Iran following the announcement of new U.S. sanctions. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened Iran with an "economic D-Day," signaling a significant wave of economic penalties against the country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the strategy, stating that the United States will not achieve its goals through economic pressure. In a formal response, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi sent a letter regarding the sanctions, which the UN subsequently distributed to the Security Council and General Assembly.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that the ongoing conflict continues to disrupt the flow of energy and food, impacting both the regional and global economies. Guterres emphasized that a durable settlement depends on dialogue and mediation efforts involving countries such as Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan.