UN chief urges immediate de-escalation after US–Israeli strikes on Iran

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that continued hostilities could trigger a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians.

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Guterres urged all parties to immediately halt military actions, stressing that “everything must be done to prevent a further escalation.”

“I call for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities.  The alternative is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. I strongly urge all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table, notably on the Iran nuclear programme,” he said.

The emergency session was convened amid rapidly escalating tensions after Washington and Tel Aviv launched strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory threats from Tehran.