UN Urges Talks as Iran-US War Escalates

The United Nations has expressed deep alarm over escalating military exchanges between the United States and Iran, warning that strikes on civilian infrastructure are "unacceptable."

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said Secretary-General António Guterres is "particularly concerned about attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region."

Tensions erupted after the US and Israel launched an intense bombing campaign in late February. Iran responded with counterstrikes targeting US bases in neighbouring Gulf states, halting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint carrying one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed last month included a ceasefire and reopened the waterway, but disputes over its terms have reignited hostilities. Iran claims the deal grants it control over the strait, including the right to collect passage tolls — a position rejected by Washington and the international community.

Guterres called for urgent diplomatic efforts toward a "peaceful and durable settlement," including full restoration of navigational freedoms through the Strait of Hormuz.