UN Chief Urges Action to Halt Mideast Escalation

UN Secretary-General António Guterres adresses the Security Council meeting on Iran.

“Everything must be done” to prevent a wider escalation of war across the Middle East following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions targeting multiple countries in the region, the UN Secretary-General told the Security Council on Saturday.

António Guterres described the day’s events as a grave threat to international peace and security, urging the global community to unite and pull the region “back from the brink.”

He reminded the Council that Article 2 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,” stressing that international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected.

The UN chief warned that the military action engulfing parts of the Middle East risks “igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world.”

‘Return to the Negotiating Table’

The Secretary-General reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations. He noted that the joint military operation by Israel and the United States occurred after indirect talks between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman, effectively “squandering” an opportunity for diplomacy.

Calling for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities, he urged all parties to return to negotiations, particularly regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.

“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 said.

France: Respect International Obligations

France’s representative, Jérôme Bonnafont, called on Iran to respect its international obligations, stressing that adherence to international law is “a condition for long-term security in the region and the world.”

He said Iran had failed to seize the opportunity to conclude a nuclear agreement and had instead reduced cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Russia: ‘Unprovoked Act of Aggression’

Russia’s Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described the US-Israeli strikes as “yet another unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent Member State,” in violation of the UN Charter and international law.

He called the move a “reckless step” that has sharply escalated tensions and represented a “betrayal of diplomacy.”

China: Sovereignty Must Be Respected

China’s Ambassador Fu Cong condemned the strikes as “brazen” and rejected the use or threat of force to settle international disputes. He called for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and other regional countries to be respected.

Expressing concern over civilian casualties, he urged all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law and immediately cease military action. He described it as “shocking” that the attacks occurred amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

United States: ‘Persistent Aggression’ Could Not Be Ignored

US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the strikes aimed to dismantle Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, degrade naval assets used to destabilise international waters and disrupt networks arming proxy militias.

The objective, he said, is to ensure that “the Iranian regime can never, ever threaten the world with a nuclear weapon.”

“No responsible nation can ignore persistent aggression and violence,” he warned, adding that Iran’s continued missile development and alleged nuclear ambitions pose “a grave and mounting danger.”

UK: Stability Remains a Priority

“This is a fragile moment for the Middle East,” said Ambassador James Kariuki of the United Kingdom, the Council President for February. He said regional stability remains a priority and noted that UK forces were engaged in coordinated defensive operations in line with international law.

He called for a swift resolution to restore security and urged Iran to refrain from further strikes to allow a path back to diplomacy.

Iran: Strikes ‘Devoid of Legal Foundation’

Iran’s Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani accused the United States and Israel of launching an “unprovoked and premeditated aggression” against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“This is not only an act of aggression; it is a war crime and a crime against humanity,” he said, alleging that civilian-populated areas in major cities were deliberately targeted.

He rejected claims of a “pre-emptive attack” or imminent threat as legally, morally and politically unfounded, and dismissed Western assertions regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.

Israel: ‘An Act of Necessity’

Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon said the strikes were carried out to stop “an existential threat before it became irreversible.”

He argued that Israel acted out of necessity, accusing Iran of advancing nuclear weapons capabilities, expanding missile arsenals and arming regional proxies while threatening Israel’s existence.

“They were building the means to force an irreversible reality with our backs against the wall,” he said. “That is not a future Israel will accept.”