MIDDLE EAST LIVE 6 March: World economy at grave risk, warns UN chief; ‘the situation could spiral beyond anyone's control’

Aerial view of a densely populated city in Lebanon with a large plume of dark smoke rising from an explosion in the distance, with the sea visible on the horizon.

UNHCR

Smoke rises after an airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 6 March: World economy at grave risk, warns UN chief; ‘the situation could spiral beyond anyone's control’

6 March 2026 Peace and Security

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.

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News Tracker: Past Stories on This Issue

Destroyed buildings and debris in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, following airstrikes.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 5 March: Further escalation drives uncertainty and suffering

5 March 2026

Peace and Security

On day six of the war in the Middle East, there's been no let-up in bombs, drones and rockets targeting Iran, Israel, Lebanon and many Gulf States, while NATO forces reportedly intercepted a missile fired at Türkiye by Iran, a claim denied by Tehran. We'll bring you the latest from the United Nations and our partners at headquarters and in the field. UN News app users can follow the coverage here.

A large plume of smoke rises over the urban skyline of Beirut, Lebanon, near UNIFIL positions, indicating an explosion or ongoing conflict.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 4 March: Conflict continues across region amid US, Israeli and Iranian strikes

4 March 2026

Peace and Security

Violence in the Middle East is continuing into a fifth day, with US and Israeli strikes against Iran and Iranian missile and drone attacks reported across several countries in the region. The escalating confrontation is disrupting airspace, transport and daily life while raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Follow our live coverage for real-time updates, reactions and humanitarian developments from across the United Nations system. UN News app users can follow the coverage here.