Mr Annan said: "It is indeed tragic that diplomacy has failed but there are times when the use of force may be legitimate in the pursuit of peace.
"But as secretary-general I have many times pointed out, not just in relation to Kosovo, that under the Charter the Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security - and this is explicitly acknowledged in the North Atlantic Treaty.
"Therefore, the council should be involved in any decision to resort to the use of force.''
He spoke after Nato unleashed a first wave of bombs on Yugoslavia, and began by saying he was speaking "at a grave moment for the international community".
Grave moment
Britain, the US and their allies maintain they have authority to launch Nato strikes based on previous Security Council resolutions demanding a peaceful settlement in Kosovo.
Those resolutions were enacted under chapter seven of the UN Charter, and the article allows for resolutions to be militarily enforced.
Both Russia and China have been angered by the attacks, and said any military action must have prior security council approval.
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Blair: Kosovo strikes under way
(24 Mar 99 | UK Politics)
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Yugoslavia on red alert
(24 Mar 99 | Europe)
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(24 Mar 99 | Monitoring)
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(24 Mar 99 | Europe)
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