World

U.N. Says U.S. and Israeli Attacks on Iran Fall Outside U.N. Charter

A spokesperson for the United Nations said that recent military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran raise serious concerns under international law and fall outside the framework of the United Nations Charter.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasized that all nations must respect the principles established in the U.N. Charter, particularly regarding the use of force against other sovereign states.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, Haq said international legitimacy is rooted in the rules and principles of the United Nations system.

“International legitimacy is founded on the United Nations Charter, and all states must respect its principles,” Haq said. “The use of force or threats against countries is prohibited under the Charter.”

His remarks come amid escalating tensions following joint U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iran that reportedly began on February 28, 2026. The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional escalation across the Middle East.

According to Iranian authorities, the attacks resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials and commanders. Tehran has described the strikes as an act of aggression and has formally filed complaints with international bodies.

Iran says it responded under its right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which allows countries to defend themselves if they are attacked.

The United Nations has expressed growing concern about the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the conflict. Haq confirmed that Secretary-General Guterres has raised the issue at the U.N. Security Council and has been actively engaging with regional leaders in an effort to reduce tensions.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the escalating hostilities, civilian casualties, and the broader humanitarian and economic consequences of this crisis,” Haq said.

The U.N. has also reiterated its opposition to unlawful killings and violations of national sovereignty, calling for restraint from all parties involved in the conflict.

Calls for de-escalation

United Nations officials say their top priority is preventing further escalation and encouraging a return to diplomatic dialogue.

Iranian authorities maintain that their retaliatory missile and drone operations targeted military facilities and security positions linked to Israel and U.S. forces in the region.

Tehran has warned that if the attacks continue, its response could become stronger and more comprehensive.

International observers say the situation remains highly volatile, with diplomatic efforts now focused on preventing the conflict from expanding into a wider regional war.