UN Chief Guterres sounds 'disaster' alarm on Iran war: 'We need a way out of this'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for de-escalation from all sides, stressing the urgent need to prevent further regional instability
UN Secretary-General António Guterres raised concerns over civilian casualties, urging restraint and adherence to international humanitarian norms as strikes continued in the Middle East (Getty Images)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres raised concerns over civilian casualties, urging restraint and adherence to international humanitarian norms as strikes continued in the Middle East (Getty Images)

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday, March 25, issued a stark warning over the escalating Iran conflict, declaring that the war has “gone too far” and is “out of control.”

“The conflict has broken past the limits even leaders thought unimaginable,” Guterres said, cautioning that the world is on the brink of a broader war, worsening humanitarian suffering, and severe global economic disruption.

Smoke rises after an explosion at the airport in Irbil, Iraq, late Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Smoke rises after an explosion at the airport in Irbil, Iraq, late Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Call for immediate de-escalation

Guterres urged the United States and Israel to bring military operations to an immediate halt, while also pressing Iran to stop attacks on neighboring countries.

He stressed that ongoing diplomatic initiatives must succeed, warning that the situation demands urgent resolution. “We need a way out of this disaster,” he said. The UN chief also called for an end to hostilities between Israel and other radical groups.

He said extremist groups must also cease their attacks on Israel, while Israel must halt its strikes in Lebanon, which he noted were disproportionately impacting civilians.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Monday, March 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Monday, March 9, 2026 (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

Iran rejects the US proposal

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly pushed back against a US-backed plan to end the war.

According to Press TV, Tehran has responded negatively and remains unwilling to allow Donald Trump to dictate the terms or timing of any resolution.

An unnamed senior Iranian official quoted in the report outlined five conditions for ending the conflict.

Ships wait offshore in the Strait of Hormuz off Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Ships wait offshore in the Strait of Hormuz off Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

These include a complete halt to what Iran describes as “aggression and assassinations” by the US and Israel, along with recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route.

The demands highlight the widening gap between the parties, even as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire.

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