UN condemns US-Israel-Iran strikes, urges immediate ceasefire, return to talks

New Delhi, Feb 28: The United Nations has strongly condemned the latest military escalation in the Middle East, warning that the exchange of force between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other threatens global peace and security.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the UN chief criticised the use of force by Washington and Tel Aviv against Tehran, as well as Iran’s subsequent retaliation across the region. He said the developments risk destabilising an already fragile security environment in West Asia.

“All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations,” the statement said, referring to the foundational treaty of the United Nations. The Charter explicitly prohibits “the threat or 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,” it noted.

The UN chief called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent steps towards de-escalation. He warned that failure to halt the current cycle of strikes and counter-strikes could trigger a broader regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and long-term regional stability.

“I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table,” the statement added, underlining the need for diplomacy over confrontation.

Reiterating the organisation’s long-standing position, the UN stressed that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes in accordance with international law. The UN Charter, it said, remains the foundation for maintaining international peace and security and must guide the actions of all member states.