UN calls for urgent US-Iran talks as strikes escalate

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Iran and the United States to urgently resume diplomatic negotiations as renewed military strikes between the two countries intensified tensions in the Gulf and raised fears of a return to full-scale conflict.

The appeal came after a fresh exchange of attacks over the weekend, with the United States denying Iran’s claim that it had closed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to US officials, American forces struck around 140 targets on Saturday in retaliation for an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel transiting the international waterway.

Iran reportedly responded by launching attacks on a US military base in Jordan, while the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait reported coming under missile and drone attacks launched from Iran.

Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence, Guterres called on all parties to immediately halt further military action.

“I am deeply concerned by the serious escalation,” the UN chief said in a statement issued through his spokesperson, urging all sides to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation and take immediate steps to reduce tensions.

He warned that a return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences not only for the people of the Middle East but also for the global economy.

The renewed fighting has disrupted maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes, sending oil prices higher and forcing commercial shipping to a near standstill.

The UN said around 6,000 seafarers remain stranded aboard dozens of vessels because of the deteriorating security situation.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has advised ships to avoid transiting the Strait of Hormuz until safety conditions improve.

Guterres also stressed the need to restore full freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway, noting that three merchant vessels were reportedly struck earlier despite the June 17 memorandum of understanding reached between Tehran and Washington.

“The Secretary-General urges Iran and the United States to urgently resume negotiations and address outstanding issues through diplomacy,” UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, reiterating the UN’s call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.