UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns of catastrophic consequences following US military strike on Iran, urges de-escalation and diplomatic resolution

[dropcap]U[/dropcap]nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the recent use of force by the United States against Iran, describing the strike as a “dangerous escalation” that threatens international peace and security.

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Guterres issued a late-night statement on Saturday, shortly after US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces had bombed three nuclear-related facilities in Iran: the Fordow enrichment site, Natanz, and Esfahan.

“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today,” the UN chief said. “This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

According to Guterres, the risk of uncontrolled conflict in the Middle East is now rising dramatically. He warned that without immediate diplomatic intervention, the crisis could spiral into widespread chaos with catastrophic consequences for civilians and regional stability.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres added.

There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.

He urged UN member states to remain committed to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, stressing that restraint, not retaliation, is critical in this “perilous hour.”

The UN chief’s remarks came amid mounting international concern over the implications of the US military action, which reportedly targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in what Trump described as a “preventive strike.”

While details remain limited, defence analysts say the strike marks a dramatic escalation in US-Iran tensions, which have been simmering for years over nuclear development and regional power struggles.

“There is no military solution,” Guterres insisted. “The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”

The UN has called for an emergency session of the Security Council to address the unfolding situation and encourage all parties to recommit to peaceful negotiation and regional stability.

Also read: Iran warns US as conflict with Israel deepens

The international community is closely watching developments, as fears grow that further retaliatory action from Iran could ignite a broader conflict with global consequences.