UN chief condemns US-Israeli attacks on Iran during emergency Security Council meeting

Following reported US-Israeli airstrikes that allegedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks during an emergency Security Council meeting. Guterres stated the airstrikes violated international law and the UN Charter, urging an immediate return to negotiations to prevent further escalation and a wider conflict. He warned of grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters that Iran is responsible for escalating actions by its proxies and its nuclear and missile programs, justifying the US and Israeli actions as a preventative measure against an irreversible threat. The emergency meeting was held at the UN headquarters.

In February 2026, Iran's Foreign Ministry defended its retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli targets as legitimate self-defense, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter. This followed US-Israeli attacks on multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, which resulted in at least 201 deaths. Iran responded by launching missiles at Israel and US military targets in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The US-Israeli attacks occurred after indirect negotiations between the US and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear program concluded on Friday, with further talks scheduled for the following Monday. According to Iran, the US acknowledged the progress made in these negotiations, which were mediated by Oman.

US and Israeli forces conducted air strikes on Iranian cities on Saturday, following weeks of tensions over Iran's nuclear program. UN Secretary General Guterres condemned the strikes, warning of wider regional conflict and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Iran's Foreign Minister denounced the attacks as unprovoked and illegal. France, Germany, and the UK urged Iran to seek a negotiated solution, stating they did not participate in the strikes and condemned Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. Saudi Arabia condemned retaliatory attacks on Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait. An emergency UN Security Council meeting has been called.