UN chief urges de-escalation as Israel and Iran trade attacks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appeals for calm and diplomacy as Israel and Iran exchange deadly attacks, raising fears of broader regional conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for an immediate de-escalation between Israel and Iran, stressing the urgent need for diplomacy amid a sharp rise in hostilities.

"Israeli bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian missile strikes in Tel Aviv. Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail," Guterres posted on X, formerly Twitter.

His remarks came after Israeli forces launched early morning strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and missile facilities, reportedly killing senior military officials and scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at multiple locations in Israel, including Tel Aviv.

The rapid escalation prompted the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session on Friday to address the situation and consider possible responses to the ongoing conflict.

Guterres’ message underscored growing international concern that the confrontation could spiral into a wider regional war. He reiterated the UN's stance that conflicts must be resolved through political dialogue and peaceful means, warning that continued military action could have devastating consequences for regional and global stability.

Copied