UN chief urges Iran to renounce nuclear weapons to avoid regional escalation

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Iran to unequivocally renounce any intention to develop nuclear weapons in order to help stabilize the region.

"I hope that the Iranians will realize that it must be made clear once and for all that they renounce possession of nuclear weapons and at the same time are ready to engage constructively with other countries in the region to create a new security architecture," Guterres said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Caliber.Az reports referencing Russian media sources.

He warned that the situation could take a turn for the worse if the issue remains unresolved, potentially leading to further escalation.

Guterres also emphasized that Iran must take the first step toward normalizing relations with both Israel and the US. "The first step must be taken by Iran because otherwise there is a risk of escalation," he stated.

As tensions continue, US President Donald Trump, ahead of his second term in office, has not dismissed the possibility of military action against Tehran due to its suspected nuclear ambitions.

Meanwhile, Iran expressed its willingness to return to talks aimed at lifting sanctions if other parties demonstrate similar commitment. Iranian delegation representative Kazem Gharibabadi told local media, "All conditions exist for resuming the dialogue," adding that while economic sanctions had not achieved their intended objectives, they had harmed ordinary citizens.

In a recent meeting with Germany, Britain, and France, the parties agreed to continue consultations and prepare for a new phase of discussions. The third round of talks between Iranian and European diplomats took place on 13 January in Geneva, following previous discussions in December, including a meeting between IAEA chief Rafael Grossi and President Massoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran.

The negotiations over the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have been at a standstill since the US withdrew from the deal in 2018 under Trump's administration. In retaliation, Iran significantly ramped up uranium enrichment to 60 per cent, but now, the country has indicated a willingness to re-engage in talks over its nuclear program.

By Tamilla Hasanova