UN Chief Warns Middle East Near Regional War

NEW YORK: (Web Desk) – The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the escalating military confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, warning that continued hostilities pose a serious threat to international peace and security.

In a formal statement issued from New York, Guterres said the use of force by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation across the region, violates the core principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. He stressed that the Charter explicitly prohibits the use or threat of force against the sovereignty and political independence of any state.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council, the UN chief outlined three key areas of concern: the legal principles at stake, the rapidly evolving facts on the ground, and the urgent need for a diplomatic exit from the crisis.

Guterres said massive US and Israeli strikes had reportedly hit around 20 Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom and Tabriz, causing significant civilian casualties. He cited reports of deadly attacks on schools in Minab and Tehran, while noting that Iran’s airspace had been closed and the country was facing a near-total internet blackout.

He also expressed alarm over Iranian retaliatory strikes that reportedly affected Israel, the occupied West Bank and several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to available information, most missiles were intercepted, though debris reportedly killed a civilian in the UAE.

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The Secretary-General highlighted the risk of the conflict spiralling out of control, particularly amid reports of attacks on US military assets, cross-border strikes in Iraq, and Iran’s alleged move to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.

Guterres lamented that the violence erupted just days after indirect US-Iran talks mediated by Oman, with further negotiations planned in Vienna. He said the collapse of diplomacy at this stage could have devastating consequences for the region and beyond.

Calling for an immediate ceasefire, the UN chief urged all parties to de-escalate and return to negotiations, particularly on Iran’s nuclear programme. He appealed to all member states to uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and prevent further destabilisation.

“Let us act responsibly and together,” he said, warning that failure to do so could push the Middle East — and the world — closer to a wider and uncontrollable conflict.