Published on: 2026-07-22
Source: United Nations – Объединенные Нации –
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July 21, 2026 Peace and Security
The head of the United Nations has once again called on the parties to exercise restraint amid the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for dialogue and the cessation of attacks on “vital infrastructure” across the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “still deeply concerned about the ongoing and expanding military escalation between Iran and the United States in recent days,” UN chief spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Tuesday.
The crisis, which has been ongoing for the second week, was initially focused on control over the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial maritime route for exporting oil and liquefied natural gas. A new wave of violence erupted after the collapse of an agreement that was supposed to put an end to several months of fighting, which began following joint American-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Tehran.
Concerns about a return to full-scale war
Answering the question of whether the Secretary-General is personally involved in efforts to bring the parties back to diplomacy, Dujarric noted that the UN chief consistently makes relevant appeals, and his personal envoy Jean Arnault continues diplomatic contacts.
Describing the current situation as “balancing on the edge [of collapse]”, a UN representative warned that the United Nations “does not want to see a return to full-scale conflict”.
“We are very grateful to Pakistan for the leading mediation role it has taken on with the support of other countries,” Dujarric said.
The conflict involved ten countries
According to the UN, the consequences of the new wave of conflict are already being felt in Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
The escalation puts pressure on trade systems, humanitarian operations, transportation, and also leads to rising fuel and essential goods prices both within these countries and beyond.
According to Dujarric, the Secretary-General is particularly concerned about strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including the nuclear power plant under construction and the desalination plant.
Stop “unacceptable” attacks
In recent days, power plants and desalination facilities in Kuwait and other countries have been subjected to air strikes.
“Such attacks are unacceptable and must be stopped immediately,” emphasized the spokesperson for the Secretary-General. He once again recalled the UN chief’s position that there is no military solution to this conflict and called for intensified diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting settlement.
According to Dujarric, such an agreement should provide for “the full restoration of international law regarding shipping and freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz.” He also emphasized that “vital infrastructure, on which the lives of the civilian population depend, including hospitals and water supply systems, must be protected.”
The UN called on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of selectivity, proportionality, and precaution, to minimize potential harm to civilians.
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