Middle East Escalates: US and Israel Strikes on Iran Draw International Condemnation

Violent escalation in the Middle East has entered a fourth day, with US and Israeli military strikes against Iran and ensuing Iranian counter-strikes hitting targets across the region. The situation has disrupted airspace and transport routes, caused civilian casualties, and raised fears of broader instability, including in Lebanon and the Gulf.

Recent Developments

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the UN Security Council held an emergency session following major airstrikes by the United States and Israel across Iran. Tehran retaliated with attacks throughout the Middle East. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the actions risk “igniting a chain of events that nobody can control” in the region [UN News].

The United States and Israel defended their strikes as lawful, describing them as preemptive measures to stop a regime they perceive as an existential threat [Times of Israel]. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated they were “stopping extremism before it becomes unstoppable” [Times of Israel].

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz explained that “Operation Epic Fury,” authorized by President Donald Trump, aimed to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities, degrade its naval assets, disrupt support for proxy militias, and prevent the development of a nuclear weapon [Times of Israel]. He asserted, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

International Response

Secretary-General Guterres condemned both the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes and Iran’s retaliatory attacks. He called for an immediate return to negotiations “to pull the region, and our world, back from the brink” [HuffPost]. He warned of a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability [HuffPost].

Guterres too condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates [HuffPost] and [Times of Israel].

Key Developments

The attack on Iran resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei [HuffPost]. The assassination of the Supreme Leader, who had no designated successor, has raised concerns about a protracted conflict and potential Iranian retaliation.

Ongoing Situation

As of March 3, 2026, the situation remains highly volatile. Further updates will be provided as they become available from UN Web TV [UN News].