New York: UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres addressed the Security Council, highlighting the urgent need for action regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He emphasized that the current situation is not merely consequential but defining for the future of nations and potentially the global community.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Guterres called for peace amidst a rapidly escalating confrontation that is taking a significant toll on civilians, homes, and critical infrastructure. The Secretary-General expressed concern that the world is not drifting towards a crisis but racing towards it, warning that the expansion of the conflict could lead to uncontrollable chaos.
Guterres pointed out that while many issues have strained Israel-Iran relations over the years, the central concern remains the nuclear question. He stressed the importance of non-proliferation for global safety, urging Iran to adhere to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is a cornerstone of international security. Guterres acknowledged a trust gap between the involved parties and advocated for diplomacy as the path to a credible, comprehensive, and verifiable solution.
He called for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to serious negotiations, urging the Security Council to act with unity and urgency. Guterres appealed to the international community to support diplomacy grounded in international law, especially given the ongoing situation in Gaza. He concluded by emphasizing the unpredictability of the conflict's consequences and the need for responsible and collective action to avert further escalation.