The United Nations has expressed serious concerns regarding potential military strikes by the United States on Iran’s energy infrastructure. On April 6, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized that such actions would contravene international law.
Dujarric stated that Guterres is alarmed by threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure. He noted that even if the U.S. aims to target non-military facilities, the risk of civilian harm would render these strikes illegal.
“We were disturbed by the rhetoric observed in that post (referring to Trump’s social media statement) threatening American strikes on power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure if Iran does not agree to a deal,” Dujarric remarked.
He further indicated that Guterres has personally urged both the U.S. and Iran to adhere to international law and refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure.
On the same day, President Trump reiterated his demand for Iran to unblock the Strait of Hormuz by April 7, warning of severe consequences. He stated that if Tehran fails to comply, there would be a “day of power plants” and a “day of bridges” in Iran.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted an airstrike on Tehran, prompting President Trump to announce that U.S. forces had initiated a “major combat operation” against Iran to eliminate perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of financing and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The objective of the military operation, according to Trump, is to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, thereby preventing further destabilization of global security.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones towards Israel and targeted U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the U.S. military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is just to provide Iranians with a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the launch of the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, mentioning that he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.”
On March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this election, stating only, “We will see what happens.” He had previously indicated that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
On March 26, Trump announced a suspension of the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6, attributing this decision to a request from the Iranian government while negotiations continue.
The United Nations has cautioned the U.S. against military strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, citing violations of international law. President Trump has reiterated demands for Iran to unblock the Strait of Hormuz while tensions escalate following military operations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran.