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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, expressing deep concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure across the Gulf region.
“The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned by the continuing deadly military escalation between Iran and the United States,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters on Friday.
“He is particularly concerned about attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region. Such attacks are unacceptable,” Haq said.
The appeal came as the conflict intensified following the collapse of a ceasefire agreed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed a month ago after the US and Israel launched an intensive bombing campaign against Iran in late February.
The agreement had included a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
However, disagreements over the interpretation of the deal, particularly Iran’s claim that it could impose tolls on ships using the waterway, led to renewed tensions. The United States and the wider international community rejected Tehran’s position, insisting that freedom of navigation must be maintained without restrictions or fees.
In recent weeks, the conflict has intensified with continued US air strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian retaliatory attacks on US military facilities and regional allies.
Iran has accused the United States of striking bridges and other civilian infrastructure, while Washington says its operations are directed solely at military targets.
Kuwaiti authorities said on Friday that Iranian strikes had damaged a power generation and desalination plant, with assessments of the damage still under way.
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has again been severely disrupted following Iranian attacks on vessels and renewed military operations in the area.
Reiterating the UN’s position, Haq said the Secretary-General remained convinced that “there is no military solution to this conflict” and urged all parties to intensify diplomatic efforts to reach “a peaceful and durable settlement.”
He added that any agreement should ensure the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
