Published on: 2026-07-02
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 2, 2026 Peace and Security
The recent exchange of strikes between the US and Iran demonstrates the extreme fragility of the current situation and the urgent need to return immediately to diplomatic means. This was stated by the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Elizabeth Spehar at the Security Council meeting on Thursday.
The UN chief’s aide presented a brief overview of the incidents that led to a sharp increase in tensions in the region. On June 25, an Iranian drone attacked the cargo ship Ever Lovely, flying the flag of Singapore, as it attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Around the same time, off the coast of Oman, an attack was carried out on the tanker Kiku flying the flag of Panama. The United States called these attacks a violation of previously reached agreements and a threat to freedom of navigation. The International Maritime Organization temporarily suspended the evacuation of sailors through the humanitarian corridor.
On June 26 and 27, the United States carried out strikes against Iran’s coastal military infrastructure in Hormozgan Province. Washington described these actions as a “direct response to ongoing aggression against commercial shipping” and stated that Tehran has “chosen the path of non-compliance with the ceasefire terms.” Iran, in turn, called the American strikes a “flagrant violation” of the signed memorandum.
Then, on June 28, Iran reported the launch of ballistic missiles and attack drones at American facilities in the region, including the airbase in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Tehran warned that new “ceasefire violations” would lead to a complete halt of the diplomatic process and threatened a “crushing response.”
Later the same day, the United States launched new strikes on Iranian territory. U.S. President Donald Trump stated he was ready for further escalation if Tehran did not comply with the ceasefire conditions.
According to Elizabeth Spehar, the United States reported that no one on their side was injured. Bahrain and Kuwait announced the interception of several Iranian missiles and drones. In Bahrain, a residential building was damaged, but there were no casualties.
Spehar emphasized that the UN Secretary-General “unequivocally condemns” all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, ports, energy facilities, and commercial vessels. She reminded of the need to protect freedom of navigation and not to use commercial shipping as a tool of pressure.
Vessel traffic continues
Despite the decrease in maritime traffic volumes, vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz continues, which, according to Spehar, contributes to the stabilization of global supply chains.
On June 28, through the mediation of Qatar, the United States and Iran agreed to cease mutual attacks and consented to hold indirect negotiations in Doha, which began on June 30 and continue to this day. The UN welcomed the resumption of dialogue and called on the parties to maintain cooperation in order to implement the previously reached agreements.
Spehar emphasized that regional diplomatic activity – involving Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman – reflects the seriousness of the situation. According to her, each new strike or incident at sea increases the risk of miscalculation, and a return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences – “for the peoples of the region, for international peace and security, as well as for the global economy.”
“The United Nations is committed to supporting any efforts aimed at preventing conflict, restoring stability, and advancing towards a comprehensive and lasting settlement,” concluded the Assistant Secretary-General.
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