28 February 2026. Club de Madrid expresses its grave concern over the attacks carried out on 28 February by the United States and Israel on cities across Iran, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israel and US bases and assets across the Middle East. We unequivocally reject unilateral uses of force and condemn the unfolding military escalation dangerous for all.
This cycle of attack and retaliation risks triggering a broader regional confrontation with unpredictable and potentially devastating consequences. The Middle East remains marked by protracted conflicts and deep structural fragilities. Further militarization will exacerbate instability, endanger civilian populations, and intensify humanitarian suffering. Beyond the immediate human toll, escalation threatens to further undermine collective peace and security mechanisms, cause serious economic disruptions, particularly to energy markets, maritime trade routes, supply chains and food security, with consequences extending far beyond the region.
These developments occur against the troubling backdrop of Iran’s destabilizing nuclear activity and the regime’s violence and repression of its people, as well as globally, with the progressive erosion of international law and growing disregard for multilateral institutions with repeated violations of the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention. The normalization of unilateral uses of force weakens the foundations of the international system and undermines the collective security mechanisms established under the United Nations framework to preserve peace and security.
Club de Madrid calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to cease further military actions immediately. De-escalation is imperative. We urge governments directly involved, as well as regional and global actors with influence, to prioritize diplomatic engagement over confrontation and to activate credible mediation channels and negotiated solutions.
Respect for international law – including the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition of the use of force except in cases of self-defence or Security Council authorization – must remain the cornerstone of international relations. Sustainable security cannot be achieved through military means alone. Only sustained political dialogue, reactivated diplomatic channels, and strengthened multilateral engagement can prevent further deterioration and open pathways toward stability.
Club de Madrid stands ready to support dialogue and initiatives that contribute to de-escalation and the rebuilding of trust. We call on responsible leadership to contain escalation, protect civilian lives in accordance with international humanitarian law, and reaffirm commitment to a rules-based international order grounded in sovereignty, accountability, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.