NEW YORK CITY February 28, 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of the military escalation in the Middle East following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which prompted retaliatory actions by Tehran across the region.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon, accompanied by an official UN graphic quoting his words, Guterres said:
“I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security.”
0He reminded all Member States of their obligations under the UN Charter, which “clearly prohibits the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
Guterres called for “an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation,” warning that failure to act risks “a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability.” He strongly encouraged all parties to “return immediately to the negotiating table.”
The UN chief reiterated that “there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter,” describing the Charter as “the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
The statement comes hours after the US and Israel launched major joint strikes — codenamed “Epic Fury” by the US and “Roaring Lion” by Israel — targeting Iranian leadership, military sites and nuclear facilities in Tehran and other cities. US President Donald Trump described the operation as necessary to eliminate threats and urged Iranians to seize the moment for regime change. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and Israeli targets in the region.
The rapid developments have sparked international alarm over the potential for a broader conflict that could destabilise the Middle East, disrupt global energy supplies and endanger civilians.
Guterres’ intervention underscores the United Nations’ longstanding position that military force must give way to diplomacy in resolving international disputes.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring this fast-moving situation and provide updates as more details emerge.
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