UN chief urges US, Iran to 'return urgently to diplomacy' after renewed attacks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday expressed "grave concern" after renewed strikes between the US and Iran, and condemned all attacks against civilians. "The secretary-general is deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including a strike that reportedly hit a wedding ceremony in Iran," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference.

"The secretary-general condemns all attacks against civilians," Dujarric said. "He recalls that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.

" He added that the UN chief urged Washington and Tehran to "return urgently to diplomacy," adding that a "comprehensive and durable settlement can be achieved only through dialog and negotiations".

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that recent Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure are contributing to a global "energy shock" and increased prices, a view supported by Kpler data showing refinery runs fell to roughly 3.

8 million barrels per day in July. These disruptions have coincided with existing market strains, with Bessent also citing impacts from the conflict involving Iran.

According to two US officials, American military forces escorted 40 commercial vessels carrying approximately 18 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday while striking 60 targets and reportedly neutralizing various threats. These officials described the operation as a peak in recent activity, noting that it occurred amid continued exchanges of strikes between the US and Iran, although the source notes that the broader conflict lacks a near-term resolution.

Saudi Arabia has formally attributed the incident involving the *Sidr* tanker, resulting in two reported fatalities, to Iranian actions during its transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional governments, including Kuwait and Qatar, have characterized the event as a violation of international maritime law, while the vessel’s owner, Bahri, has confirmed the occurrence of a security incident and ongoing coordination with authorities.

The attack is described as part of a broader series of incidents linked to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.