A reporter from China Media Group (CMG), currently in Tehran, described the scene in the Iranian capital following days of Israeli attacks.
Since Friday, Israel has been launching airstrikes on Tehran and other cities and infrastructure across Iran, killing a number of the country's top military commanders and nuclear scientists and damaging key Iranian facilities.
In response, Iran has launched missile attacks on several targets in Israel, causing casualties and significant damage.
CMG reporter Li Shuangxi, who was relocating from her Tehran hotel to a safer location, shared images of the city under the shadow of Israeli air strikes.
"This is the hotel I stayed in. You can see that there's just a few people here. A lot of people are evacuating Tehran. Hotel staff told me that the hotel is almost empty now. Earlier, a block not far from the hotel was attacked, so almost all the people around here have evacuated. The situation in Tehran is getting more tense. Earlier today, the residence of a Swiss diplomat was attacked. Fortunately, he was not at home, but this also shows to some extent that there is no safe place in Tehran at present," she said.
The footage sent back by Li, showed long lines of vehicles waiting to refuel, but otherwise empty streets with most shops closed.
"We can see that there are only a few people and vehicles on the street, while Tehran is usually a very busy and crowded city. These cars are queuing for fuel. Many stores have closed. The street we are on now is usually a very busy commercial street in Tehran. In normal times, this street would not have so little traffic. I asked my local friends and some of them said they will leave the country as soon as possible, and some said they were willing to stay. When my colleague went to buy things just now, store owner said that daily necessities like water and toilet paper have sold out," she said.
CMG reporter serves up glance into current situation in Tehran following days of Israeli attacks
CMG reporter serves up glance into current situation in Tehran following days of Israeli attacks
In his new year's call to world leaders, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged world leaders to get "priorities straight" and invest in development, not destruction.
"As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads. Chaos and uncertainty surround us. Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law. A retreat from the very principles that bind us together as a human family. People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act?" Guterres said in his New Year message for 2026.
The scale of global suffering remains severe. More than one-quarter of humanity lives in conflict-affected areas, over 200 million people require humanitarian assistance, and nearly 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crises, disasters or persecution, according to UN statistics.
"As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words: Global military spending has soared to 2.7 trillion dollars, growing by almost 10 percent. That is thirteen times more than all development aid, equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa. All, while conflict rages at levels unseen since World War II. On this new year, let's resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars," said the UN chief.
A UN report released in September 2025 showed that rising military spending comes at a high opportunity cost, noting that less than 4 percent of current global military expenditure could end world hunger by 2030, just over 10 percent could vaccinate every child worldwide, and reallocating 15 percent would be sufficient to cover annual climate adaptation costs in developing countries.
"Peace must prevail. It's clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice. In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain. And I urge everyone who hears this message: Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act. This new year, let‘’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace," he said.
UN chief issues New Year's call to world leaders for peace, development
