UN: US-Iran Conflict a Major Setback for World Peace
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has stated that the renewed conflict between the United States and Iran is a major setback for world peace and threatens the stability of the Middle East. In a statement released on Tuesday, Turk said the escalation undermines peace efforts and increases the risk of human rights violations. “The return to a wider conflict in the Middle East between the US and Iran is a major setback for civilians in the region and beyond. It undermines peace efforts and deepens instability, with serious risks to human rights across the region,” Turk said. He called on all warring parties to comply with international humanitarian law, including taking all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian objects, and to return to and respect ceasefire agreements in accordance with international law. Turk also expressed deep concern over reports regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of its potential for widespread humanitarian impact. “Reports of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are deeply worrying because the human rights impact will extend far beyond the region. Disruption to the distribution of food, medicine, and other essential commodities will have social, economic, and humanitarian consequences, both regionally and globally,” he stated. US forces launched multiple waves of attacks against Iran starting on 8 July. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the strikes were in response to Iranian actions against commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by attacking several US military bases in various Middle Eastern countries. On Sunday, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the United States ceases its intervention in the region, following the renewed exchange of attacks. On 13 July 2026, US President Donald Trump declared that the United States would act as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and announced the re-imposition of a blockade on Iranian ports.