UN alarmed by US rhetoric threatening attacks on Iranian power plants, bridges: spokesperson

The United Nations is alarmed by the U.S. rhetoric that threatens attacks on Iran's power plants and bridges, a UN spokesperson said Monday.

On his social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened American attacks on power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure should Iran not agree to a deal.

Speaking at a daily briefing, Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized that the UN Chief has been very clear on issues regarding international law that civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, must not be the targets of military attacks.

"The secretary-general has been very clear on issues regarding international law, and he urges yet again all parties to abide by their obligations regarding the conduct of these hostilities. And he recalls that civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked, even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, international humanitarian law would still prohibit attacks against them if they may be expected to cause excessive, incidental civilian harm," Dujarric said.

He then stressed that it is high time for the parties to stop this conflict as there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

The National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam on Tuesday morning confirmed To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC), as state president for the 2026-2031 tenure.

All 495 deputies present voted in favor of the draft resolution on the election of Lam, who served as the state president of Vietnam from May to October 2024.

Lam was elected general secretary of the 13th CPVCC in August 2024 and was re-elected to the position for the 2026-2031 tenure at the first meeting of the 14th CPVCC on Jan 23, 2026.

In his speech, Lam stressed the need to develop a highly skilled workforce to meet development requirements in the new period, improve institutions and governance toward a modern, inclusive and sustainable society, and bring the country in step with global political, economic and civilizational trends.