United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the United States and Israel to immediately stop their ongoing military actions in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters in New York, he warned that the current conflict could expand into a large-scale war engulfing the entire region and deeply affecting the world. Guterres emphasized that the situation is already causing severe humanitarian suffering and economic damage.

According to the report, since February 28, US and Israeli forces have been carrying out attacks on various locations in Iran. In response, Iran has launched counterstrikes targeting Israeli positions and US bases across the Middle East. Guterres highlighted that rising energy and food prices are already burdening people, and any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would disproportionately harm the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations.

He urged all parties to resolve disputes peacefully and protect civilian infrastructure, reiterating that it is time to end the war before it causes further destruction.

Three United Nations special rapporteurs have condemned the killing of three journalists in Lebanon and called for an independent and comprehensive investigation. They described the incident as another brutal attack by Israeli forces on press freedom. The experts—Irina Khan, Morris Tidball-Binz, and Ben Saul—stated that journalists performing their professional duties during armed conflict are civilians and must not be targeted or attacked.

According to the report, Israeli forces carried out a targeted strike on March 28 in southern Lebanon, killing Al Mayadeen journalist Fatima Fattouni, her brother and freelance photojournalist Mohammad Fattouni, and Al-Manar’s Ali Shoaib. The UN experts emphasized that the deliberate killing of journalists not directly involved in combat constitutes a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime.

Al Mayadeen and Al-Manar are Hezbollah-aligned media outlets. Israel accused Shoaib of being a fighter for the Lebanese armed group but did not present any evidence to support the claim.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for an attack on a data center operated by U.S. technology company Oracle in Dubai. The claim was reported by Iranian state media amid heightened tensions across the Middle East. The IRGC also stated earlier that it had targeted an Amazon cloud computing facility located in Bahrain.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Iran is increasingly viewing U.S.-linked technology infrastructure as strategic targets. As part of this approach, data centers and technology installations across several Middle Eastern countries have been identified as key objectives.

The report notes that recent weeks have seen escalating conflict in the region, raising the risk of further attacks on technology infrastructure. Such incidents could disrupt global digital services and economic activities, according to the report.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched an international coalition of nearly 40 countries to reopen the Hormuz Strait, which remains effectively blocked by Iran. The closure, following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, has disrupted the passage of about 20 percent of global oil and LNG shipments, pushing crude prices above $100 per barrel. The virtual meeting, chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, includes France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and the UAE, though the United States has declined to participate.

Starmer said the talks will explore diplomatic and political measures to restore safe navigation, secure stranded ships and crews, and resume energy and goods supply. Post-war security coordination, including mine clearance and naval protection for tankers, is also under discussion. Iran, however, demands international recognition of its control over the strait as a condition for ceasefire and currently allows only limited passage for “friendly” nations.

Analysts cited in the report believe reopening the strait without an agreement with Iran is nearly impossible, though the coalition could play a key role in ensuring maritime security once hostilities end.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor through the Strait of Hormuz to transport fertilizer and other essential goods. The appeal was made via video during a meeting on Iran organized under British coordination, according to reports from Rome. Tajani emphasized that ensuring the movement of fertilizer and humanitarian supplies through the strait is crucial.

The statement noted that Tajani, along with the Dutch minister and the UAE deputy minister, stressed the need to work with the United Nations to establish the corridor as soon as possible. They highlighted the importance of maintaining the flow of fertilizer and other goods to prevent a new food crisis in African countries.

The proposal reflects growing concern about supply disruptions affecting food security in Africa, with Italy urging swift international cooperation to safeguard essential trade routes.

An Iranian military spokesperson has accused the United States and Israel of attacking what he described as 'insignificant' targets, claiming the two countries lack understanding of Iran’s extensive and strategic military capabilities. The statement, issued by the Khatam al-Anbia military command headquarters and published by Tasnim news agency, warned that more extensive, powerful, and destructive attacks are forthcoming.

The spokesperson asserted that Iran’s strategic missile production centers, long-range offensive drones, advanced air defense, and electronic warfare systems remain intact. He emphasized that Iran’s military production facilities are located in undisclosed areas beyond the reach of its adversaries. The Iranian military pledged to continue fighting until what it called the 'final surrender' of its enemies.

The remarks reflect Tehran’s defiant stance amid ongoing hostilities with the United States and Israel, underscoring Iran’s claim of resilience and readiness for escalation.

Austria has rejected a request from the United States to use its airspace for a military operation against Iran. The Austrian Defense Ministry stated that the decision was made in line with the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality. According to a report by the state broadcaster ORF, Washington had made multiple such requests, though the exact number was not disclosed.

A spokesperson for the Defense Ministry said that each request would be reviewed individually and coordinated with the Foreign Ministry. Austria has maintained a policy of military neutrality for decades, and while it has not imposed a blanket ban on US military aircraft, each request is being considered separately.

The report also noted that Spain and Italy have taken similar positions. Spain announced that its airspace would remain closed to US military aircraft involved in the conflict, while Italy recently denied Washington permission to use a military base in Sicily.

International experts and human rights organizations have warned that US President Donald Trump’s threat to attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants and desalination facilities, would constitute a clear war crime. The warning follows Trump’s statement that if Iran fails to reach an agreement with Washington, the United States could launch widespread strikes on key non-military sites. Reports indicate that more than 113,000 civilian facilities in Iran have already been targeted during the ongoing conflict.

Former US ambassador for war crimes issues Stephen J. Rapp stated that attacking desalination plants would “certainly be a war crime” with little room for doubt. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) urged the US Congress to halt funding that could escalate the war and called for an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for possible war crimes.

Meanwhile, Israel announced plans to target civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, with its military reportedly planning to destroy homes near the border. Human rights group Medical Aid for Palestinians alleged that Israel is using tactics similar to those deployed in Gaza to forcibly displace civilians.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that its recent attacks on several facilities in the Gulf region were intended as a warning. According to a statement published in Iranian media and cited by Al Jazeera, the IRGC said it targeted a US-linked steel plant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and an aluminum facility in Bahrain in response to US strikes earlier in the week.

The statement emphasized that these operations were a cautionary message. The IRGC warned that if Iran’s industrial sector is attacked again, its next response would be more severe, targeting the core infrastructure and US economic facilities in the region. Since the start of the conflict, the IRGC has repeatedly warned it could strike US-linked or owned installations across the Gulf.

The announcement underscores rising tensions between Iran and the United States in the Gulf, with the IRGC signaling readiness for further escalation if hostilities continue.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that war or military strikes cannot provide a lasting solution to Iran’s nuclear issue. Speaking during his visit to South Korea, Macron emphasized that military action by the United States or Israel would not permanently resolve the crisis and instead called for diplomatic engagement.

He warned that without a clear framework for diplomatic and technical discussions, the situation could deteriorate again within months or years. Macron also dismissed proposals for a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as unrealistic, citing the high risks involved. He noted that such actions would expose vessels in the area to threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, which possesses ballistic missiles and significant military capabilities.

Macron’s remarks highlight France’s continued preference for negotiation over confrontation in addressing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for an attack on an Amazon cloud computing center in Bahrain, describing it as a “first real warning.” The claim was reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA on April 2, 2026. The IRGC said the strike was a response to recent U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran that caused extensive damage to private infrastructure. The group warned that if such actions continued, it would take harsher measures in the future.

In its statement, the IRGC said that companies previously identified by the group would face stronger punitive actions if hostilities persisted. It also asserted that the U.S. president would bear responsibility for any destruction of regional assets belonging to these firms. The announcement follows heightened regional tensions after cross-border attacks and retaliatory threats.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such claims of attacks could further escalate the risk of broader conflict across the Middle East, as both sides exchange warnings and retaliatory actions.

Saudi Arabia is increasingly frustrated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war, as his erratic behavior and remarks about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have strained ties between Riyadh and Washington. Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian power plants, suggestions that Gulf states should bear the war’s costs, and crude comments about the Saudi crown prince during a Miami investment conference have deepened Saudi unease. Analysts say Riyadh, once heavily invested in strengthening its U.S. alliance, now feels disillusioned with the White House.

Experts cited in the report note that Trump’s unilateral decisions and disregard for consequences have alarmed Saudi leaders. The ongoing conflict, initially supported by Gulf states under pressure, has exposed their vulnerability to Iranian missile and drone attacks. Iran has struck key infrastructure across the region, including Saudi refineries and facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has joined regional diplomatic efforts with Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey to push for a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Observers warn that if Trump ends the war without curbing Iran’s regional threat, tensions could escalate further.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone conversation emphasizing the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in the Middle East. According to a Kremlin statement cited by Al Jazeera, both leaders stressed the urgency of achieving a ceasefire and pursuing a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The timing of the call is considered significant as Ukraine recently signed an air defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Ukraine aims to use its experience countering Iranian-made Shahed drones and has proposed supplying cost-effective drone defense technology in exchange for expensive air defense missiles used by Gulf countries.

During the discussion, Putin and the Saudi Crown Prince also noted that the current crisis has disrupted energy production and transportation, negatively affecting global energy security.

Russia has announced its readiness to assist in resolving the ongoing conflict involving Iran, following aggressive attacks by the United States and Israel and Iran’s retaliatory strikes. The situation has heightened tensions across the Middle East, prompting several countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, to seek ways to de-escalate the crisis.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday that Russia is prepared to contribute to resolving the Iran conflict. He said President Vladimir Putin continues discussions with regional leaders and emphasized that Moscow stands ready to help restore peace as quickly as possible if its assistance is needed.

The statement underscores Russia’s intention to play a diplomatic role in stabilizing the region as multiple nations engage in mediation efforts.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil transport routes, will remain open to ships that are not linked to aggressor nations. In an interview with Newsroom Africa, spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said vessels will be permitted to pass through the strait after necessary coordination with Iranian authorities.

Baghaei commented on the broader regional conflict, stating that Iran would not tolerate what he described as a recurring cycle of war, negotiation, ceasefire, and renewed conflict. He referred to a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June, during which the United States targeted several Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

The statement underscores Iran’s attempt to balance its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz with assurances of continued maritime access for neutral nations, while signaling frustration over repeated escalations involving Israel and the United States.