Antonio Guterres, UN Chief, Addresses Conflict Between Iran and Israel

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning to the international community on Sunday, urging for a halt to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Speaking at a Security Council meeting following Iran’s weekend attack on Israel, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for peace.

“The Middle East is on the brink,” Guterres declared, highlighting the imminent danger of a full-scale conflict in the region. He called for “maximum restraint” and urged all parties to defuse tensions and de-escalate the situation.

The recent attack by Iran on Israel, which involved over 300 missiles and drones, marked a significant escalation in hostilities between the two countries. While most of the projectiles were intercepted, the incident resulted in injuries and raised fears of further retaliation.

In response to the attack, the United States stated that it would not support any Israeli counterattack on Iran, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before any escalation. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has added to the volatile situation, with both sides suffering casualties.

During the Security Council session, Israel called for action against Iran, while Iran defended its actions as self-defense. Guterres reiterated the importance of avoiding military confrontations in the Middle East and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

As tensions continue to rise in the region, the international community faces a critical challenge in preventing further escalation and preserving peace. Guterres’ plea for restraint serves as a reminder of the grave consequences of war and the urgent need for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve conflicts.