UN peacekeepers monitoring the situation along the Blue Line dividing Israel and Lebanon. Top news of the day | Friday: USA/Iran, Lebanon/Israel, Pakistan, female circumcision UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: the head of the UN welcomed the resumption of dialogue between the United States and Iran, the UN commented on the spraying of toxic substances by Israeli forces in the area of the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon, the Secretary General condemned the terrorist attack in Islamabad, 4.5 million girls this year may become victims of genital mutilation.
Negotiations between the USA and Iran
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the resumption of talks between Iran and the United States and expressed hope that they will help reduce regional tensions and prevent a wider crisis. The UN chief expressed gratitude to the countries of the region for their efforts in facilitating these negotiations, in particular to Oman for providing the venue. All problems can and should be resolved through peaceful dialogue, the UN chief said in a statement.
Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel
Commenting on reports that Israeli forces sprayed a highly toxic herbicide over areas north of the Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel on February 1, the UN said this posed a threat to civilians living there. UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) spokeswoman Alexandra Vellucci told a briefing in Geneva that the use of herbicides could also have a negative impact on local agricultural land and become a serious obstacle to people returning to their homes. She noted that any activity by Israeli forces in areas north of the Blue Line is a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Terrorist attack in Pakistan
The Secretary-General condemned in the strongest terms today’s terrorist attack on a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. According to media reports, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device, killing more than 30 people and injuring about 170. The UN chief said attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. He called for those responsible to be brought to justice and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.
Female circumcision
230 million women and girls around the world have undergone genital mutilation, or female circumcision. In 2026, 4.5 million girls could be affected by this procedure. The UN reported this on the International Day of Zero Tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation, which is celebrated on February 6. Efforts to end female circumcision have begun to bear fruit over the past three decades, but progress has been slow. The UN’s goal of ending the practice completely by 2030 will not be achieved unless more efforts are made to combat it.