This article is published in association with United Nations.

Violent escalation in the Middle East has entered a third day as coordinated US and Israeli strikes against Iran aimed at regime change continue to cause loss of life and damage across the region, prompting Iranian missile and drone counter-strikes hitting targets in multiple countries. Explosions, airspace closures and military alerts have been reported from Tehran to the Gulf states and beyond. Follow our live coverage with updates from across the United Nations system. UN News app users can follow here.

Highlights

• Iran’s Ambassador calls joint US and Israel attacks “a flagrant violation the Charter of the United Nations.”
• Israel strikes designed to “stop an existential threat to Israel, to our allies, and to global stability,” says Ambassador Danon.
• UN political chief tells Security Council children are bearing the brunt of escalating wars, saying recent events in the Middle East are a stark reminder.
• “No indication” so far of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, IAEA reports but warns of “increasing risk to nuclear safety” and urges maximum restraint.
• UN maritime agency IMO calls for protection of seafarers and respect for freedom of navigation amid reported attacks on civilian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
• UNHCR warns escalation risks further displacement, as countries in the region already host millions of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Production team: Vibhu Mishra, Conor Lennon, Matt Wells, Steve DeCaul

Today 12:27 .

Israel and US strikes a ‘deliberate and unprovoked military attack’, says Iran ambassador

Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, has called the joint Israel and US strikes on his country a “deliberate and unprovoked military attack,” and a “calculated act of aggression”.

Mr. Iravani, speaking outside the Security Council chamber earlier today, said that the strikes killed hundreds of innocent civilians and were a “flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations”.

Referring to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Mr. Iravani said that the targeting of the highest official of a sovereign UN Member State constitutes an “egregious breach of international law and a direct attack on sovereign equality” which endangers the entire international system.

The ambassador denied claims that Iran posed an imminent threat and said that the country’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. Iran’s use of force, he added, is “lawful, necessary, and proportionate,” as an act of self-defence.

Watch the stakeout here.

Today 12:18

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Iranian counter-attacks force school closures in Bahrain

Bahrain’s representative opened his intervention during the Security Council meeting on children in war zones by addressing the missile and drone strikes launched from Iran since Saturday, hitting both military and civilian sites.

The attacks, said Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, have resulted in “significant material and psychological damages that threaten the safety and security of residents and citizens.”

Schools, he continued, have been closed as a “temporary precautionary measures to safeguard the security and safety of children and teachers”.

2 Mar 2026  11:45

Israel Ambassador defends strikes on Iran

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, defended his country’s joint military attack, in concert with the United States, on Iran, which he justified as action designed to “stop an existential threat to Israel, to our allies, and to global stability”.

Speaking at a media stakeout before this afternoon’s Security Council meeting, Mr. Danon reasserted Israel’s objectives: “eliminate the immediate threat posed by the Iranian regime, dismantle its nuclear programme, destroy its ballistic missile production and capabilities, neutralise naval threats, break the terror proxy network.”

Watch the stakeout here.

2 Mar 2026  10:55

US First Lady pays tribute to ‘families who have lost their heroes’

Ms. DiCarlo’s briefing against the backdrop of the continuing airstrikes was followed by a statement on behalf of the US from First Lady Melania Trump.  

“My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom,” she began. 

“Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered. I extend my earnest wishes for a swift and smooth recovery to all those who have been injured. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these challenging times. The US stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours.”

UN Photo

The United States, which holds the rotating presidency for March, decided to have Ms. Trump chair the meeting. While there have been instances of First Ladies taking part in Security Council meetings, today is the first time a First Lady has presided inside the iconic chamber.