UN Chief António Guterres Warns of Grave Global Risks, Calls for Immediate Dialogue After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

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UN Chief António Guterres Warns of Grave Global Risks, Calls for Immediate Dialogue After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

UN Chief António Guterres Warns of Grave Global Risks, Calls for Immediate Dialogue After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-03-01 06:28:00

Kathmandu / New York - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday strongly condemned the escalating military confrontation in the Middle East following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, and the subsequent Iranian retaliation. He delivered the call for urgent de-escalation and genuine dialogue during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, emphasizing the threat the conflict poses to international peace and security.
In a written statement and remarks to world diplomats, Guterres said he was deeply alarmed by the use of force by the US and Israel, noting that such actions - along with Iran’s reactive attacks - “undermine international peace and security” and risk dragging the wider region into a far more destructive conflict. He underlined the central role of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against a state’s territorial integrity except in lawful self-defense or under direct Security Council authorization.
“The current escalation risks a wider regional war with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability,” Guterres warned, urging all parties involved to immediately halt hostilities and return to the negotiating table. He reiterated that there is no alternative to peaceful settlement through diplomacy in accordance with international law.
The emergency council meeting, which was convened at the request of several member states, including Russia and China, saw other global leaders echo calls for restraint and a return to diplomacy. While some governments backed the strikes as necessary to prevent nuclear proliferation or security threats, many others, including European states, stressed the need to protect civilians and avoid further escalation.
The unfolding crisis continues to draw sharp reactions worldwide, with the UN chief’s message highlighting the urgent importance of dialogue, negotiation, and adherence to international law to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.