UN chief warns of 'catastrophic consequences' if Gulf escalation continues

BAGHDAD, Iraq — UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that a full-scale conflict in the Persian Gulf would have catastrophic consequences for the region's peoples, international peace and security, and the global economy. In a statement, Guterres expressed deep concern over renewed serious escalation and military hostilities, including Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, US strikes against Iran and Iranian strikes on targets in neighboring countries. The UN chief called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from steps that would further raise tensions. He reiterated that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be fully restored, and urged Iran and the United States to resume negotiations without delay and address outstanding issues through diplomatic channels. Kuwait's Defense Ministry said three land border posts in the north of the country were attacked and that a Kuwait Oil Company offshore drilling platform was targeted by a drone, wounding one employee. The Kuwaiti army reported intercepting hostile aerial targets as fighting between the United States and Iran intensified. Tehran said it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Jordan. US Central Command said it carried out a series of air operations against dozens of Iranian military targets following an Iranian Revolutionary Guard attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Both President Donald Trump and CENTCOM said navigation traffic through the strait was continuing normally.