UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has sounded the alarm over the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, warning that it risks spiraling out of control and igniting a catastrophic fire that no one can contain.
In an urgent plea to the UN Security Council, Guterres called for de-escalation, emphasizing that the world stands on the edge of catastrophe.
“We are not drifting toward crisis, we are racing toward it,” Guterres warned, adding that “The expansion of this conflict could ignite a fire no one can control.”
The conflict has already resulted in significant human suffering, with over 224 civilian deaths and 2,500 injuries reported in Iran, and 24 deaths and 900 injuries in Israel. Critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, medical centers, and research institutes, has been damaged or destroyed.
Guterres urged both parties to give diplomacy a chance and reiterated the need for full Iranian cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The UN chief’s warning comes amid a deteriorating security situation in the region, with missiles from Yemen’s Houthi forces targeting Israel and armed groups in Iraq mobilizing.
The Secretary-General’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has far-reaching implications for global security and stability.
