Antonio Guterres condemns US-Israel strikes, calls them a ‘grave threat’ to global peace

WASHINGTON, DC: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, calling them a “grave threat” to global peace. The strikes heightened political tensions worldwide. During an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, discussions focused entirely on “Operation Epic Fury.”

Guterres warned that the airstrikes could lead to uncontrollable consequences if the situation escalates. He urged the international community to unite and pull the region back from the brink. On Saturday, February 28, President Donald Trump announced that the US had carried out airstrikes on Iran. He said the action was meant to stop Iran from posing a threat to others.

UN secretary-general calls strikes a ‘grave threat’ to global peace

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Antonio Guterres cautioned that “Operation Epic Fury” could “ignite a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world.” “We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security,” Guterres said.

He stressed that force cannot replace diplomacy. “Let me be clear, there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes,” he continued, adding that lasting peace can only come through dialogue and negotiations.

As per United Nations News, Guterres reminded the council that Article Two of the UN Charter states that all Member States “shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State." He said that international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected. 

Call for diplomacy and de-escalation

The Secretary-General said that real and lasting peace can only come through honest dialogue and negotiations. He noted that the military action by Israel and the US happened after indirect talks between the US and Iran, which were mediated by Oman, and called it a missed opportunity for diplomacy.

Antonio Guterres urged an immediate end to hostilities and called on all parties to return to the negotiating table, particularly regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program.

“I call on all Member States to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter, to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to ensure nuclear safety,” he declared.