United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed an emergency Security Council session on Saturday. He condemned the rapid military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Security Council Meets as Strikes Rock Region
The United States and Israel launched major airstrikes on about 20 Iranian cities that day. Targets included Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz. Reports confirmed explosions near the presidential palace and Supreme Leader compound. Civilian deaths occurred, including at least 85 people at a school in Minab and two at a school in Tehran.
Iran Retaliates Across Multiple Countries
Iran fired missiles and drones in response. The attacks hit Israel and US military sites in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Guterres stated that these strikes violated the sovereignty of those nations. Debris also affected Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Most Gulf states intercepted the incoming projectiles, yet one civilian died in the UAE.
Guterres Condemns All Sides for Charter Violations
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, spoke directly to council members. “I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East,” he said. He added, “The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security.”
Moreover, he reminded all states of their duties. “All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the UN,” Guterres declared. The Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against any state’s territorial integrity.
Leader Warns of Uncontrollable Wider War
Guterres warned that the actions risked “igniting a chain of events that nobody can control in the most volatile region of the world.”
He noted unconfirmed reports of high-level Iranian casualties, including possible death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Additionally, Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz.
UN Chief Calls for Urgent Diplomacy
António Guterres urged immediate action. “I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation,” he said. “Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.”
He encouraged all parties to return to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. “Everything must be done to prevent further escalation,” Guterres stated. He stressed that peaceful settlement through dialogue offered the only path forward under the UN Charter.
The session ended with calls for restraint from member states. Global leaders monitored developments closely as tensions remained high.
