UN chief urges restraint to prevent broader Israel-Iran conflict

The United Nations chief has voiced deep concern on Wednesday over the escalating military strikes between Israel and Iran, calling for immediate de-escalation and warning against further international involvement.

“I remain deeply alarmed by the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement issued through his spokesperson.

He urged all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and warned that “any additional military interventions could have severe consequences not only for those directly involved but for the entire region and global peace.”

Guterres condemned the “tragic loss of civilian lives and damage to critical infrastructure,” stressing that diplomacy “remains the only viable path” to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security challenges.

He called on all UN member states to fully adhere to the UN Charter and international law, including humanitarian law.

When asked about a potential US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres is “very concerned” and reiterated the need to avoid further internationalization of the conflict.

The region’s tensions escalated last Friday (13 June) after Israel conducted airstrikes on multiple Iranian military and nuclear sites. Tehran responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli territory.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, at least 585 people have died and more than 1,300 have been injured in Iran. Israeli officials report at least 24 deaths and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks.

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