01.03.2026 01:52
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that military intervention in Iran could lead to uncontrollable consequences in the Middle East. In a speech at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council titled "The Situation in the Middle East," Guterres condemned both the attacks by the US and Israel and Iran's retaliations.
The United Nations convened "emergency" meetings over the escalating military tensions in the Middle East. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in his speech at the UN Security Council that attacks on Iran and the subsequent retaliations could plunge the region into an uncontrollable crisis. Guterres, who called for a return to diplomacy, emphasized that the military escalation seriously threatens international peace and security.
"IT COULD TRIGGER AN UNCONTROLLABLE CHAIN OF EVENTS"
Referring to the UN Charter and international law regarding the operations carried out by the US and Israel against Iran, Guterres stated that he condemned the large-scale military attacks that have been carried out since the morning hours.
Guterres emphasized that the military intervention "carries the risk of triggering a chain of events that no one can control in the world's most unstable region."
REACTION TO RETALIATIONS
The UN Secretary-General also condemned Iran's attacks on Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as retaliation. He expressed that the developments in the region pose a serious threat to international peace and security.
"THE DIPLOMACY OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN WASTED"
Pointing out that military activities are rapidly spreading across the region, Guterres stated that the situation is becoming increasingly unstable and unpredictable, which increases the risk of miscalculation.
Guterres noted that the attacks occurred after the third round of indirect talks between the US and Iran, saying, "I am deeply saddened that this opportunity for diplomacy has been wasted."
CALL TO "RETURN TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE"
Calling for a de-escalation of tensions and an immediate end to hostilities, Guterres specifically invited the parties to return to the negotiating table regarding Iran's nuclear program.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized that "everything must be done to prevent further escalation" and that there is no lasting solution outside of diplomacy.