Washington: In a tense and emotionally charged address at the United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful appeal to both Israel and Iran to step back from the brink of full-scale war. Warning that the current path of military escalation threatens to spiral into a catastrophic regional and possibly global crisis, Guterres urged the international community to “give peace a chance” before it is too late.
The Secretary-General's remarks came at a time of heightened hostilities, as both Israel and Iran continue to launch strikes against each other. Guterres highlighted the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict, including mounting casualties, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and the growing risk of a nuclear-related disaster. “This is a fire that, if left unchecked, could consume the entire region,” he warned.
At the same UN meeting, representatives from Israel and Iran traded sharp accusations. Israel’s envoy defended its continued strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming they are necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran, on the other hand, accused Israel of aggression and warned against further U.S. support for what it called “illegal military actions.” The Iranian representative insisted that the strikes had endangered civilian lives and vital infrastructure, and declared that Iran would not resume diplomatic talks while under attack.
Adding to international concern, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), briefed the council on the dangerous situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear facilities. While there has been no confirmed radiation leak beyond plant boundaries, Grossi confirmed internal damage at sites like Isfahan and Natanz. He emphasized that any further attacks on these sensitive locations could cause a nuclear contamination crisis that affects not just Iran but neighboring countries as well.
Amid these dire warnings, diplomatic efforts continue in parallel. In Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with European foreign ministers in a last-ditch attempt to salvage diplomatic dialogue. However, Iran firmly stated that it would not consider any negotiation with the United States or its allies until Israeli aggression is halted. Araqchi reiterated Iran’s stance that its nuclear program remains peaceful and that international pressure and military threats only deepen its resolve.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea stood by Israel, stating that intelligence confirms Iran’s intentions to weaponize its nuclear program. She insisted that Israel has the right to defend itself and suggested that the window for peaceful resolution is closing fast. Russia and China, however, called for immediate de-escalation, warning that the targeting of nuclear facilities violates international law and threatens regional security.
Secretary-General Guterres concluded his remarks with a solemn warning: “The decisions made today will shape the fate of millions tomorrow. War cannot be the answer to this crisis.” He called upon the international community to rally behind diplomacy, stressing that continued conflict risks drawing more nations into the fray and endangering global peace.
As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, the world watches anxiously. While some powers argue for military deterrence, others are pushing for urgent diplomacy. Whether the international community can pull the region back from the edge remains uncertain but time is running out.