Overview
- The United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes inside Iran, followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks that the UN said violated the sovereignty of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- António Guterres condemned the military escalation, warned of a “chain of events” no one can control, and said an opportunity for diplomacy on Iran’s nuclear file was squandered after indirect talks were preparing to move to Vienna.
- The UN said it is not in a position to confirm reports from Israeli sources that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, noting numerous unverified claims as about 20 Iranian cities were reportedly struck and the country faced airspace closures and an internet blackout.
- At the Security Council, the U.S. and Israel argued the strikes were lawful steps to counter Iran’s missile and nuclear threats, while Iran’s envoy called them an unprovoked act of aggression and cited heavy civilian casualties, including a reported deadly strike on a girls’ school in Minab.
- China and Russia condemned the US‑Israeli action and pressed for an immediate halt to hostilities, the UK and France emphasized restraint and international law, and UN agencies urged strict protection of civilians and attention to nuclear safety.