Missile attacks on Israel: UN chief condemns ‘broadening of Middle East conflict’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel. Writing on X, Guterres stated, “I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation,” stressing the need for these escalations to cease and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

His comments came after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in response to the assassinations of key figures: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian commander Abbas Nilforoshan. Haniyeh was killed in Tehran last month, while Nasrallah and Nilforoshan were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), responsible for the attack, warned of more severe strikes if Israel retaliates. Iran had blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s assassination on August 1, vowing to respond forcefully. The missile attack was supported by Iran’s army and Defence Ministry, though it remains unclear if the missiles hit their targets or caused casualties.