Published on: 2026-07-20
Source: United Nations
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
July 20, 2026 Peace and Security
The United States and Iran have been exchanging deadly strikes for the second week, while the United Nations again calls on the parties to de-escalate and highlights the devastating consequences of the conflict for civilians and vital infrastructure across the Middle East.
“We are seriously concerned about the new surge in hostilities and the resumption of escalation over a significant part of the region,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric in New York on Monday. “Immediate de-escalation is vital.”
He emphasized that, as in any armed conflict, the protection of the civilian population and civilian objects is of paramount importance. According to him, vital infrastructure on which people’s lives depend, including hospitals and water supply systems, must remain untouched.
“All parties are obliged to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” he added.
A new threat from Yemen
The press secretary also stated that the UN is “extremely concerned” about the new threats made by the Yemeni Houthis against Saudi Arabia, as well as their statements regarding freedom of navigation in the strategically important maritime routes of the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. According to the UN representative, this increases the risk of further escalation of the conflict throughout the region.
Dujarric once again called on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions and resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
Fear and Uncertainty
The resumption of hostilities between the United States and Iran, which began due to the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, destroyed the hopes for peace that had emerged after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran in June.
The agreement was supposed to put an end to the hostilities that began in February, when the US and Israel struck Iranian territory, after which Tehran retaliated with strikes on facilities in several Persian Gulf countries and Jordan.
“Across the Middle East, civilians once again live in fear and uncertainty due to recurring strikes, and health systems are forced to cope with their consequences,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhi, the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean, on Monday.
Situation in Iran
According to Balkhi, Iranian health authorities reported that 50 people have died and more than 500 have been injured in the country since the beginning of the month. Among the dead and injured are women and children. In addition, the strikes have affected critical infrastructure facilities.
Dr. Balkhi pointed to reports of a strike on a desalination plant in Hormozgan province in the south of the country, which caused thousands of people to lose access to safe drinking water. Meanwhile, explosions near the specialized Bagaei Hospital last week forced the evacuation of children undergoing cancer treatment.
Reports of a strike on the under-construction nuclear power plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Sunday that it is investigating information about a nighttime strike on the Darhivin nuclear power plant construction site in Iran. The agency noted that the facility is at the very early stage of construction and did not contain nuclear materials during the last inspection.
Although the IAEA assesses that the attack does not pose a radiological threat, the agency’s Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has called for maximum restraint regarding all facilities related to nuclear activities.
Consequences for the Persian Gulf countries
The WHO also reported on the consequences of the conflict in other countries in the region. For instance, in Qatar, five civilians were injured by shrapnel. In neighboring Kuwait, authorities reported casualties and significant damage following an attack on an oil facility. Power plants and desalination plants were also hit, resulting in one injury and the shutdown of several power units.
“These incidents pose an increasing threat to civilian populations and the environment, while simultaneously intensifying the burden on emergency response services and healthcare systems,” emphasized Dr. Balkhi.
In response, the WHO has once again called for immediate de-escalation throughout the Middle East and reminded of the need to protect civilians and medical facilities in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.