The latest strike comes amid a dangerous spiral of hostilities involving Iran, Israel and now the US.

In a statement released by his Spokesperson on Monday, Guterres condemned the attack and reiterated his call for an immediate halt to all military actions.

According to reports, Iran launched seven missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, which houses around 10 000 American personnel. Qatari air defences reportedly intercepted all but one of the missiles, and no casualties have been confirmed. The strike was said to be in retaliation for the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

“This marks a dangerous turning point in an already volatile conflict,” said Guterres’ Spokesperson.

“From the outset of the crisis, the Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including today’s attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar.”

The Secretary-General’s appeal comes after more than a week of intense missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, which have now drawn in the US more directly. While the full extent of the damage to the nuclear sites remains unconfirmed, the attack has provoked fierce rhetoric and raised concerns of a broader regional confrontation.

Guterres urged all Member States to abide by the principles of the UN Charter and respect international law. He emphasised the need for diplomatic solutions over military responses, warning that continued escalation could have “catastrophic consequences” for the region and beyond.

--UN/ChannelAfrica--