United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stern condemnation of the military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. In an urgent statement, Guterres warned that the current cycle of “broad wave” strikes and retaliatory missile barrages is pushing the region toward a catastrophic wider war. He characterized the use of force by the U.S. and Israel, and Iran’s subsequent strikes across the Gulf, as a direct threat to international peace and security.
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The UN chief emphasized that all member states must adhere to the UN Charter, which strictly prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of any nation. Guterres expressed deep concern for the millions of civilians caught in the crossfire, specifically referencing the rising toll of non-combatants in both Iran and neighboring Gulf states. “There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Guterres stated, urging all parties to abandon military operations and return to the negotiating table immediately.
I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security.
All Member States must respect their obligations under… pic.twitter.com/TZKS4GuNnZ
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 28, 2026
The Secretary-General’s intervention reflects growing panic within the international community as diplomatic channels, including the Oman-mediated talks, appear to have collapsed. With airspace closed and global energy markets in turmoil following threats to the Strait of Hormuz, the UN is pushing for an emergency Security Council session to broker a humanitarian pause. Guterres warned that failing to de-escalate now could result in “grave consequences” that will be felt far beyond the borders of the Middle East.
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