World News in Brief: US-Iran war intensifies, aid for Myanmar, casualties in Ukraine

Fighting between the United States and Iran has sharply escalated after a month-long lull, with the two sides exchanging strikes as fears grow over further civilian casualties. The US military struck rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, days after US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had cleared all mines from the crucial trade route.

The US said the weekend strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from laying new mines. After Iranian missiles launched towards Jordan in retaliation were intercepted, the US struck targets it claims were linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to Iranian authorities, US strikes hit a wedding party in Kuhestak on Wednesday, killing at least four and injuring 68 more. The US military said it is investigating the incident and that it never targets civilians. The latest exchange marks a major escalation in the conflict that began in February, when the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran.

Condemnation from Guterres
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalation and reported rise in civilian casualties, including at the wedding party. “The Secretary-General condemns all attacks against civilians,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said. “He recalls that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions.” Mr. Guterres strongly encouraged the US and Iran to return to diplomacy to avoid the “devastating consequences” further escalation would have on civilians across the Middle East.

Source: The UN