The UN Security Council is holding an emergency meeting on Saturday afternoon to discuss the escalating situation in Iran, which has come under attack from the United States and Israel. The meeting was confirmed by the council's rotating presidency and is set for 4 PM local time (21:00 GMT). This meeting marks the last time the UK will preside over the council before the United States takes over in March. The urgency of this session reflects great concern among several member states regarding the ongoing military actions and their potential repercussions on global peace and security.

In response to the attacks by the US and Israel, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets and American military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. This escalation has increased tensions in an already volatile Middle East, prompting calls for immediate action. The widespread fear is that these retaliatory strikes could lead to broader conflict in the region, further complicating geopolitical relations.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stressing the need to halt the military escalation in the Middle East. His condemnation underlines the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation in the context of rising violence. The council's meeting will likely shape the international community's response to this crisis, underscoring the delicate balance of power and the pivotal role of diplomacy in handling conflicts in the region.