• A defiant Iran retaliates with missile attacks on Israel, warns US of ‘everlasting consequences’
• Iranian Parliament has approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the US attacks
• Trump calls for Iran to come to negotiations after bombing key installations
• Israel PM jubilant about Trump's attack, thanks US for steadfast support
• China ‘strongly condemns’ US strikes on Iran, adding it could ‘escalate tensions in the Middle East’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres yesterday (22) called for the immediate de-escalation of the Israeli-Iranian conflict and for an ensuing ceasefire, following an unprecedented strike at Iranian critical infrastructure by the armed forces of the United States.

“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,” the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a post on Social media platform ‘X’.

His fears and calls to uphold international law came after US President Donald Trump said that the US had carried out a successful attack on three key nuclear facilities in Iran yesterday (22). While one of them was said to be a uranium enrichment plant located in Fordo, other two facilities are located in Natanz and Isfahan.  Speaking to the media, Trump said that the objective of these attacks was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity, and that these strikes were a military success as these facilities have been completely obliterated. “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier,” he said, claiming that Iran is a threat to the world. Congratulating Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said that the US worked with Netanyahu as a team.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu congratulated Trump yesterday (22), adding that the latter’s “bold decision” to target Iran's nuclear facilities will change history. He claimed that the attacks demonstrated "America has been truly unsurpassed". Foreign media further quoted Netanyahu as saying that the US attacks had been carried out in coordination with Israel and that the promise of destroying Iran's nuclear programme has been fulfilled.

However, hours after the US’ attack, Iran continued its missile attacks on Israel with foreign media reporting that loud explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iranian leaders have reportedly warned that the attack will have “everlasting consequences” and have sought an emergency meeting of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Meanwhile Iranian diplomats are to travel to Moscow to consult Russian counterparts and President Vladimir Putin regarding the situation.

Global markets are already concerned about the Iran-Israel conflict, especially because it can have considerable impacts on fossil fuel prices. International media reports claimed that investors predict a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction with oil prices expected to spike due to fears of disrupted Middle East oil supplies. Analysts have predicted that the price of a barrel of crude oil, which has already increased by around 20% to US Dollars ($) 79.04, could increase to about $ 130 per barrel in the worst-case scenario. Iran holds approximately 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves and exports between 1.5 and two million barrels per day.

On X, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that the US, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations: “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour. In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.” Following the US attacks, he further said that Iran was in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy, and that the US too had decided to blow up that diplomacy.

He made this statement on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul, Turkey, after which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said that it is following with deep concern the developments in Iran, particularly the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US. On X, the ministry added: “The Kingdom underscored the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation. The Kingdom also calls on the international community to intensify its efforts during this highly sensitive period to reach a political solution that would bring an end to the crisis and open a new chapter for achieving security and stability in the region.”

Meanwhile, international media reported that Yemen’s Houthi rebels have warned that they would attack Red Sea shipping after the US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The Iranian Parliament has approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the US launched strikes against the country’s nuclear facilities. The strait is a key passage through which 20 percent of global oil and gas demand flows. Major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, rely on the waterway to access the open sea.

(With inputs from Reuters, CNN)

Head – No Sri Lankans injured

No Sri Lankans have been injured during the past 24 hours in Israel despite a series of drone attacks by Iran, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel confirmed. Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the Sri Lankan Embassy has issued special notice for Lankans residing in the country. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara has urged all Sri Lankans in Israel to remain vigilant and to follow all official security instructions to avoid harm during these attacks.

Foreign Minister Vijith Herath posted on social media platform ‘X’ thanking India for its support to evacuate Sri Lankan nationals from Iran. “I sincerely thank the Government of India for the timely support in evacuating Sri Lankans from Iran alongside Indian citizens. This thoughtful act reflects the deep bonds and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and India.”