UN Chief Calls For New Diplomatic Push Following US Strikes In Iran

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remains deeply concerned by the continuing deadly military escalation between the United States and Iran, his spokesperson said on Friday as attacks destroyed key civilian and military infrastructure in the Islamic Republic and across the Gulf region

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jul, 2026) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remains deeply concerned by the continuing deadly military escalation between the United States and Iran, his spokesperson said on Friday as attacks destroyed key civilian and military infrastructure in the Islamic Republic and across the Gulf region.

“He is particularly concerned about attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq. “Such attacks are unacceptable.”

A month ago, Tehran and Washington signed a Pakistan-mediated Memorandum of Understanding following the launch of an intense bombing campaign by the US and Israel in late February.

Iran launched counterstrikes it said were targeting US bases and infrastructure in neighbouring Gulf States, destabilizing the entire region and bringing commercial maritime traffic in the crucial Strait of Hormuz choke point to a standstill.

Kuwaiti authorities reported on Friday that Iranian strikes had hit a power and desalination plant, causing damage to the facility which is currently being assessed.

The interim deal under the MoU, included a ceasefire and the opening of the waterway that normally carries one fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.

Iran’s interpretation of the MoU was that it left Tehran ultimately in control of the strait, and at liberty to demand tolls for safe passage – a view rejected by the US, which insists that there must be freedom of navigation, without fees.

Strikes and counter-strikes have escalated in the past two weeks, including ongoing attacks by the US which have reportedly hit bridges and other primarily civilian infrastructure inside Iran, damaged targets in the region and shuttered the Strait following further Iranian attacks on shipping.

The UN chief reiterated his firm conviction that “there is no military solution to this conflict and calls for stepped up diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful and durable settlement”.

He added that such a settlement should include the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz.