Iran warns UN of ‘catastrophic’ war as Trump’s 15-day nuclear deadline looms

Washington: Iran warned the United Nations on Thursday that all American military installations and assets in the Middle East would be considered "legitimate targets" should the United States carry out threats of an aerial or naval assault.

In a formal letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani characterised recent rhetoric from Washington as a precursor to "catastrophic" regional conflict. The diplomatic warning follows a surge in U.S. military deployments to the region, including aircraft carriers and advanced fighter wings, intended to pressure Tehran into a new nuclear accord.

Iravani’s letter specifically pointed to a social media post by President Donald Trump, in which the U.S. leader suggested that British military bases, including the strategic hub at Diego Garcia, might be utilised to strike Iran "should Iran decide not to make a deal."

"Such a belligerent statement by the President of the United States... signals a real risk of military aggression, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security," Iravani wrote in the document, which was obtained by the AP.

The 15-Day Ultimatum

The diplomatic escalation comes as US President Trump issued a definitive timeline on Thursday, stating Iran has a maximum of 15 days to reach a negotiated settlement. While Trump again hinted at military force as the alternative, he confirmed that indirect talks held Tuesday in Geneva between U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials had shown some "progress."

Ambassador Iravani maintained in his letter that Tehran remains committed to "diplomatic solutions" and is willing to address "ambiguities regarding its peaceful nuclear programme" on a reciprocal basis. However, he was explicit regarding the consequences of a preemptive strike.

"All bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran's defensive response," the ambassador warned.

Regional Volatility

The current standoff is framed by the shadow of "Operation Midnight Hammer" in June 2025, a 12-day conflict initiated by Israeli strikes and joined by U.S. forces that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. Tensions have been further stoked by Trump's condemnation of a deadly crackdown on Iranian anti-government protesters last month.

Iravani called upon the U.N. Security Council to intervene and "ensure that the United States immediately ceases its unlawful threats of the use of force." Despite the appeal, Washington holds veto power over any formal council resolutions that would condemn its military posture.

With inputs from AFP