Over 200 Killed as US-Israel Strike Iran; UN Chief Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

Matilda Omonaiye/

More than 200 people have been killed in a sweeping United States and Israeli military strike on Iran, with the death toll expected to rise, as the crisis spirals into one of the most dangerous escalations in the Middle East in recent years.

The Iranian Red Crescent said at least 200 people were confirmed dead and 747 injured across 24 provinces following the coordinated assault. Among the victims were 20 female volleyball players reportedly killed when a sports hall in Lamerd was struck.

Iranian media also reported that between 150 and 160 female pupils, mostly at a girls’ primary school in Minab, were killed after a missile hit the facility. The Iranian Ministry of Health said at least 80 girls were injured in the attack.

In retaliation, Tehran announced the launch of a fresh barrage of missiles toward Israel, while a senior Iranian military official vowed that the country would unveil “new capabilities” in the coming days.

The Israeli military said 200 aircraft participated in what it described as the largest airstrike in its history, targeting Iranian defence systems and strategic infrastructure. Israeli sources indicated that the operation could last up to a week.

US media reports suggested that “suicide drones” were deployed for the first time in strikes on Iranian territory, marking a new phase in the confrontation.

Airspace Shut Across Middle East
The escalation triggered widespread airspace closures across the region, disrupting thousands of flights.

Iran shut its airspace “until further notice,” according to its Civil Aviation Organisation. Israel followed suit, closing its skies to civilian flights, while Iraq, Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates announced partial or full closures.
Jordan’s air force said it conducted drills to defend its airspace and later confirmed it shot down two ballistic missiles. Kuwait’s military also reported engaging incoming missiles.

Major international carriers including Air France, Air India, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian and Air Algerie announced widespread cancellations. Russia’s aviation authority suspended all commercial flights to Israel and Iran.

Flight tracking website FlightAware reported that more than 9,600 flights were delayed globally and over 500 cancelled as of 1030 GMT.

UN Chief Condemns Escalation
Reacting to the crisis, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, condemned the military escalation.

“I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East,” Guterres said, warning that the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, “undermine international peace and security.”

He reminded member states of their obligations under international law, citing the UN Charter’s prohibition against “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”

Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent de-escalation, cautioning that failure to halt the violence risks a wider regional conflict with “grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.”

He urged all parties to return to negotiations, reiterating that there is “no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes.”

As smoke continues to rise over parts of Iran and missile exchanges reverberate across the region, diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify amid growing fears of a broader Middle East war.