U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday condemned the United States and Israel’s attacks against Iran, warning that potential retaliation by Tehran across the region could threaten international peace and security.
Guterres condemns U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran as a dangerous escalation that risks further destabilizing the Middle East.
“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,” Guterres said on X.
- Trump says the U.S. has begun “major combat operations” against Iran
- Israel describes its strikes as “preventative” targeting security threats
- Iran launches counterattacks with drones and missiles toward Israel
- U.S. military sites across the Middle East targeted, including Bahrain
- Explosions reported in UAE, Jordan and Qatar; casualties confirmed in Abu Dhabi
- Sirens sound across Israel, including Tel Aviv, as civilians are told to shelter
- Satellite images show damage near a compound tied to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- Iran reports at least 60 deaths, including at a girls’ school
- Trump urges Iranians: “take over your government”
- Guterres condemns U.S.-Israel strikes, warns of wider conflict
- Leavitt confirms Trump-Netanyahu call, says situation is being monitored
- Jeffries criticizes strikes carried out without congressional approval
- Internet access across Iran is largely cut, disrupting communications
He urged all countries to adhere to international law, stressing that the U.N. Charter prohibits “the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”
Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities, warning that failure to de-escalate could trigger a broader regional conflict with severe consequences for civilians and stability.
“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability,” he said.
He added that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward, reiterating that “there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes” under the framework of the U.N. Charter.
At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump monitored the situation overnight alongside his national security team and spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a statement posted on X.
“President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar a Lago alongside members of his national security team. The President spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu by phone.
Prior to the attacks, Secretary Rubio called all members of the gang of eight to provide congressional notification, and he was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members.
The President and his national security team will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the day, ” said Leavitt.
However, the outreach described by Leavitt does not amount to seeking congressional authorization for military action.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries sharply criticized the strikes, warning of the risks of escalation and the absence of congressional approval.
“Donald Trump failed to seek Congressional authorization prior to striking Iran. Instead, the President’s decision to abandon diplomacy and launch a massive military attack has left American troops vulnerable to Iran’s retaliatory actions. We pray for the safety of the men and women of the U.S. military as they have been put into harm’s way in a dangerous theater of war,” said Jeffries.
“The Trump administration must explain itself to the American people and Congress immediately, provide an ironclad justification for this act of war, clearly define the national security objective and articulate a plan to avoid another costly, prolonged military quagmire in the Middle East,” he added.
ran launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli military bases across the Middle East after attacks hit multiple cities, including Tehran, early Saturday.
Explosions were reported in Bahrain — home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet — as well as in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar.
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