The UN Secretary-General has voiced deep concern over the escalating military conflict between Iran and the United States, as recent attacks have destroyed key civilian and military infrastructure across the Gulf region.

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized the Secretary-General's particular worry about attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and the wider region, describing such actions as unacceptable.

A month prior, Tehran and Washington signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following an intense bombing campaign initiated by the US and Israel in late February. This interim agreement included a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint that carries one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies.

However, Iran launched counterstrikes targeting US bases and infrastructure in neighboring Gulf States, destabilizing the region and halting commercial maritime traffic through the Strait. Kuwaiti authorities reported that Iranian strikes damaged a power and desalination plant, with assessments ongoing.

Iran interprets the MoU as granting it control over the strait and the authority to demand tolls for safe passage, a stance rejected by the US and the international community, which insist on freedom of navigation without fees.

In the past two weeks, strikes and counterstrikes have intensified, including US attacks reportedly hitting bridges and civilian infrastructure inside Iran, further damaging regional targets and closing the Strait following additional Iranian assaults on shipping.

The UN Secretary-General reiterated his conviction that "there is no military solution to this conflict" and called for increased diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful and durable settlement. He stressed that any resolution should restore full international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources