UN@80: Civilians caught in the crossfire – story of an Iranian musician

Amid conflict's devastation, art shines as a beacon of hope. Renowned Iranian musician Keivan Saket, master of the tar and setar, saw his home severely damaged in recent Israeli attacks on Iran. Miraculously, one missile failed to detonate, sparing his family further tragedy. Now sheltering nearby, Saket channels his music into a powerful call for peace and cultural preservation, embodying resilience for a nation in crisis. His story mirrors the broader toll on civilians, as highlighted by the United Nations in 2025. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on June 25, 2025, "Civilians are paying the highest price," with conflicts met by "denial, indifference, or repression." The UNHCR reports 123.2 million people globally are displaced by conflict, with 60 percent in climate-vulnerable areas. In Iran, escalating violence threatens civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage, with 70 percent of displaced persons being women and children, per OCHA's 2025 data. Saket's music defies this chaos, echoing UNESCO's call to protect cultural sites for post-conflict recovery. This video showcases his journey, amplifying the UN's urgent plea to safeguard civilians and their heritage, offering a glimpse of hope amid hardship.