NEW YORK February 28, 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a urgent plea to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, following joint United States and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region.
In a video statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Saturday, Guterres declared:
“Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East.
I call on all sides to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the @UN Charter, protect civilians & ensure nuclear safety.
Let’s act responsibly & together to pull the region & our world back from the brink.”
The message was delivered shortly after Guterres addressed an emergency session of the UN Security Council on the rapidly deteriorating situation.
The crisis erupted earlier on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched major airstrikes across Iran, targeting military sites, missile facilities and other strategic locations. US President Donald Trump announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed in the operation — a claim echoed by Israeli officials. Iranian state media, including Tasnim and Mehr news agencies, have disputed the reports, stating that Khamenei remains “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.”
Iran responded swiftly with missile and drone strikes on Israeli territory and US military installations in several Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The retaliatory actions have triggered airspace closures, heightened alert levels and fears of a wider regional war.
In his fuller remarks to the Security Council and in earlier statements, Guterres condemned the military escalation by all parties, warning that “the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security.”
He stressed that the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and called for:
• An immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation
• Full protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law
• Strict adherence to nuclear safety protocols to prevent any radiological risks
• An urgent return to the negotiating table, especially on Iran’s nuclear programme
“The alternative is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability,” Guterres warned.
The UN Security Council convened the emergency meeting at the request of Iran, which invoked its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Council members are expected to continue discussions on measures to halt the violence and restore diplomatic channels.
This is a developing story. Life News Agency will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as more information emerges from the region and United Nations headquarters.
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