Clockwise General News — The United Nations is sounding a dire alarm, warning of an "unmitigated catastrophe" in the Middle East as strikes escalate near nuclear sites in both Iran and Israel. This is the Clockwise General Briefing, 8 AM Eastern. We begin with the escalating tensions in the Middle East. The UN human rights chief has cautioned that recent missile strikes near nuclear facilities in Iran and Israel underscore the immense danger of further escalation in the region. Middle East tensions are reportedly rising with new warnings and military alerts, as diplomacy continues to seek de-escalation.