UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over a potential full-scale war in the Persian Gulf, as the United States and Iran trade heavy rhetoric and escalating attacks. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Guterres likened the current ceasefire to a "lesser fire" and warned against the risk of it becoming "full fire."
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck an oil tanker violating its blockade by transporting Iranian oil. The Palau-flagged M/T Settebello was disabled in the Gulf of Oman after a US aircraft fired precision munitions into its engine room. The crew had repeatedly failed to comply with US directions, CENTCOM stated.
US President Donald Trump indicated continued attacks on Iran, telling reporters: "We're going to be attacking them — attacking them very hard." He urged Tehran to sign a deal prohibiting Iran from having a nuclear weapon, claiming negotiations were close but Iran was "playing us for suckers."
The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), approved a resolution demanding Iran provide information about its uranium stockpile and production facilities without delay. The resolution passed 21-3 with 10 abstentions; Russia, China, and Niger voted against.
Iran rejected the resolution. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities halted verification activities and forced inspectors to leave for safety reasons. He accused the US of trying to turn the consequences of its illegal attack into a case against Iran.
Amnesty International accused Israel of conducting "ethnic cleansing" against Palestinian Bedouins in the occupied West Bank. A report released Wednesday said 27 Bedouin and herding communities were forcibly displaced between 2023 and 2025 or are at risk of displacement in Area C.
The UN human rights office will send a team of investigators to Lebanon next week to assess potential violations of international law by all parties since March 2. Lebanon was drawn into the wider Middle East war on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said diplomatic efforts with the US cannot progress if Washington undermines them with contradictory messages and repeated ceasefire violations. He stated that any diplomatic process requires a minimum stable environment.
US strikes on two reservoirs near the southern Iranian port town of Sirik cut off water supply to 20,000 residents. With temperatures ranging between 45 and 50°C (113-122°F), conditions have become extremely difficult, according to Iranian state media.
China expressed deep concern over the escalation in the Middle East conflict, calling on all parties to maintain calm and exercise restraint. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged a "total and lasting" ceasefire to be agreed as soon as possible.
Jordan reported shooting down five incoming missiles launched by Iran, which targeted the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base hosting US F-35 fighter jets. No injuries were reported.
Source: www.dw.com