UN Chief Regrets Collapse of Diplomacy After Iran Strikes
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern on Saturday over the breakdown of diplomatic efforts following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Guterres warned that the situation poses a serious threat to international peace and security.
Warning Against Escalation
Guterres stressed that all parties must respect international law and international humanitarian law at all times. He cautioned that military action could trigger a chain of events that no one can control, especially in what he described as the world’s most volatile region.
Furthermore, he emphasized that peaceful solutions remain the only effective path forward. According to the UN chief, genuine dialogue and negotiations offer the only realistic foundation for lasting stability.
Missed Opportunity for Talks
Referring to the latest round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations held in Geneva, Guterres said he deeply regretted that the diplomatic opportunity had been lost.
Both sides had earlier described the discussions, conducted under Omani mediation, as serious and constructive. However, recent military actions have overshadowed those efforts.
Call to Return to Negotiations
Guterres urged all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table, particularly on the Iranian nuclear issue. He warned that failure to do so could lead to a broader conflict with severe consequences for civilians and regional stability.
As tensions continue to rise, the UN chief reiterated that diplomacy remains the only viable alternative to escalating violence.
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