UN chief warns Iran attacks will have 'grave consequences' for the world

UN chief Antonio Guterres has admitted he is "gravely alarmed" by the US attacks on Iran, describing them as a "dangerous escalation" towards wider conflict.

The US attacked three nuclear sites in Iran including the Fordo facility, which is buried deep underground. US President Donald Trump said the key nuclear sites had been “completely and fully obliterated”. The other sites hit during the early hours of Sunday morning were at Natanz and Isfahan.

In response to the attacks, the UN secretary general said: "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

"There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the @‌UN Charter and other rules of international law. At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace."

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In an address to the nation from the White House, Trump warned there could be further strikes if Iran retaliates: “There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran.”

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned the attacks “will have everlasting consequences” and that Tehran “reserves all options” to retaliate. Sir Keir Starmer has urged Iran to return to negotiations following the latest attacks. The Prime Minister said Iran’s nuclear programme is a “grave threat” which the US military action would “alleviate”.

“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security," he said in a statement. "Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.

“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

The decision to directly involve the US in the war comes after more than a week of strikes by Israel on Iran that have moved to systematically eradicate the country’s air defences and offensive missile capabilities, while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities. Trump told reporters on Friday that he was not interested in sending ground forces into Iran, saying it’s “the last thing you want to do.”