UN secretary-general António Guterres has condemned Iran’s missile attack on the U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday.

The spokesperson for Mr Guterres said in a statement that the UN chief was “deeply alarmed” by the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

This is just as President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran had launched missiles at the American military base in Qatar in retaliation for the U.S. bombing of three of its nuclear facilities on Saturday.

Iran reportedly fired several missiles at Al Udeid Air Base, where some 10,000 troops are reportedly stationed.

Qatar intercepted all but one, and no casualties were reported, according to reports.

The development marked the latest step in more than a week of missile strikes between Iran and Israel, and the situation has escalated with U.S. involvement.

“From the outset of the crisis, the secretary-general has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including today’s attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar. He further reiterates his call on all parties to stop fighting,” the statement said.

The UN chief urged all member states to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

Mr Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to confirm that Iran launched 14 missiles at the U.S. bases in response to the U.S. strike.

“Iran has officially responded to our obliteration of their nuclear facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered,” he said.

The U.S. president added, “There have been 14 missiles fired – 13 were knocked down, and one was ‘set free’, because it was headed in a non-threatening direction.

“I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done.”

Mr Trump also hinted that Iran gave the U.S. an advanced notice of the missile attack.

“Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system’, and there will, hopefully, be no further hate. I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost and nobody to be injured,” he said.

The U.S. leader advised both Iran and Israel to work for a ceasefire and allow peace in the Middle East.

“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to peace and harmony in the region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same,” the American leader said.

(NAN)