The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has condemned the escalating military confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that the crisis could spiral into a broader regional war if urgent steps are not taken to halt hostilities.
In a statement posted Saturday on his official X account, Guterres expressed alarm over the exchange of strikes among the parties, stressing that the continued use of force threatens international peace and civilian safety.
He criticised both the military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory operations across the region, saying such measures undermine global stability.
The UN chief reminded member states of their obligations under the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. He urged all parties to act in line with international law and the principles guiding the global body.
Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue, warning that failure to de-escalate could endanger millions of civilians and destabilise an already fragile Middle East.
He reiterated that diplomacy remains the only sustainable path to resolving disputes, emphasising that peaceful negotiation — grounded in international law is essential to maintaining global peace and security.
His remarks come amid growing international concern that the intensifying conflict could widen beyond its current scope if urgent diplomatic efforts are not pursued.