United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire between Iran and Israel, warning that continued hostilities risk plunging the Middle East into a full-scale regional war.
Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Sunday, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for dialogue over the conflict. “Peace cannot be imposed; it must be embraced through mutual commitment and engagement,” he stated.
The Security Council meeting, chaired by Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, was convened following a U.S.-led strike that destroyed three Iranian nuclear facilities. Washington defended the action as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,a position long echoed by Israel.
In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel, triggering a fierce exchange that has drawn global concern.
Guterres condemned the cycle of retaliation, stressing the humanitarian toll. “The people of the Middle East cannot endure another round of destruction. Diplomacy must prevail. Civilians must be protected,” he said.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Asia, and the Americas added that history has shown military interventions in the region to be ineffective. “There is no military solution to this crisis. Dialogue must replace violence.”
During the meeting, Iran accused the United States and Israel of aggression, while Israel defended its actions as self-defense. The U.S. Permanent Representative, Ambassador Dorothy Camille Shea, reiterated America’s stance against a nuclear-armed Iran and warned of “strong and overwhelming” retaliation if U.S. interests are attacked.
Meanwhile, regional players such as Kuwait have called for de-escalation and pledged support for peace efforts.
With tensions escalating, Guterres urged member states to support a ceasefire and resume diplomatic negotiations. “The world is watching. Let diplomacy, not warfare determine what comes next.”
