Military strikes and counter-strikes are continuing across the Middle East as the US and Israel wage war on Iran. With the world economy at grave risk, 'the situation could spiral beyond anyone's control' warned UN chief António Guterres. "It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations," he urged – adding that the unlawful attacks by all sides are causing tremendous suffering for civilians across the whole Middle East region. Follow our live coverage for updates and reaction from across the United Nations system. UN News app users can follow here.
Women held 27.5 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide as the year began –a 0.3 per cent increase from 2025, marking the slowest growth in nearly a decade, according to a new report from the UN-backed Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The escalating war in the Middle East has heightened growing concerns about further civilian suffering and displacement in the region and far beyond, UN agencies said on Friday.