Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 23, 2026 Peace and security
The war in the Middle East has entered its fourth week. The humanitarian crisis in the region remains the focus of the international community. At the same time, the energy crisis is intensifying amid attacks on shipping and oil and gas infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.
In recent days, there have been reports of new strikes on Iranian territory by Israel and the United States, as well as Iranian attacks on southern Israeli cities. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that he was postponing strikes on Iranian energy facilities following "productive" negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Nuclear safety is under threat
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Monday that Director General Rafael Grossi held a telephone conversation with the leadership of Rosatom, whose technology is used at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran. Grossi received an update from the head of the Russian state corporation.
According to the IAEA, as a result strike on March 18 A facility approximately 350 meters from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was destroyed, but the reactor itself was not damaged.
The agency's head recalled that, in accordance with the fundamental principles of nuclear safety, any military action must not jeopardize the integrity of nuclear facilities or the safety of their employees.
Aid to Lebanon amid destruction
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that a humanitarian convoy carrying vital supplies, including hygiene products, drinking water, first aid kits, water purification tablets and chlorine, is heading to southern Lebanon today.
UNICEF representative Christophe Boulerac noted that the destroyed bridges could complicate the delivery of aid, but the operation will continue.
At the same time, the agency is in dire need of funding: only 14 percent of the requested amount of $48 million has been received.
Global supply chains under pressure
The escalation of the conflict is seriously disrupting global supply chains and leading to rising prices for basic goods, warned Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
According to him, the consequences of the conflict are already being felt far beyond the region: rising oil, fuel, and gas prices are putting pressure on the global economy. The closure of airspace, sea routes, and key crossings is hindering the delivery of vital goods, including medicine.
Of particular concern are attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz– one of the key routes for global energy trade. This could lead to further price increases and supply delays.
Developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, could be hit hardest, with disruptions in energy and fertilizer markets threatening their food security.
"There is no military solution to the problem," Moreira da Silva stressed, calling for increased diplomatic efforts.
Cultural heritage under threat
Since the fighting began on February 28, cultural heritage sites in Iran, Israel and Lebanon have been damaged, UNESCO reports.
In Iran, the Golestan Palace, the Chehel Sotoun Palace, and the Masjed-e Jameh Mosque were damaged, as were buildings near the prehistoric monuments of the Khorramabad Valley.
In Israel, damage was recorded in the White City of Tel Aviv, and in Lebanon, in the ancient city of Tyre.
UNESCO warns that other sites in the region are also under threat, including countries in the South Caucasus, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.