The United Nations (UN) has issued a strong warning against the destruction of civilian infrastructure while urging immediate diplomatic efforts to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
In a press briefing on April 7, 2026, UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric reported that Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over recent remarks implying that entire populations might suffer due to political and military decisions.
“The Secretary-General is very troubled by statements suggesting that an entire people or civilization could be forced to bear the consequences of such decisions,” Dujarric stated.
Guterres emphasized that no military rationale justifies targeting civilian systems or causing widespread suffering.
“There is no military objective that can justify the complete destruction of a society’s infrastructure or the intentional infliction of suffering on civilian populations,” Dujarric added.
The UN chief reiterated that dialogue is essential for resolving conflicts, urging leaders to make decisive choices.
“He stresses that conflicts conclude when leaders prioritize dialogue over destruction, and that the time to make those choices is now,” the spokesman noted.
As part of the de-escalation efforts, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East, Jean Arnault, is traveling to the region to facilitate diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving the crisis.
These statements follow heightened tensions after US President Donald Trump reportedly threatened to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran. Guterres underscored that such actions would violate international law, reinforcing the UN’s commitment to civilian protection.
Approximately 12 hours before the Tuesday night deadline he set for Iranian authorities, Trump posted a social media message threatening irreversible destruction in Iran.
“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to return. I don’t want that, but it may happen. However, with Complete and Total Regime Change, where smarter and less radicalized minds prevail, something remarkable might occur. We will see tonight, one of the most significant moments in history. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!” Trump wrote.
In response, Iranians formed human chains across bridges and in front of power plants nationwide to protest Trump’s threats targeting civilian infrastructure and threatening to send Iran back to the “Stone Age.”
