United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed during a UN Security Council meeting that the Middle East is on the verge of entering a large-scale conflict, and immediate actions must be taken to de-escalate the situation. He stated, "The Middle East is on the edge of the abyss. People in the region are facing the real threat of a large-scale devastating conflict," emphasizing the urgent need to reduce tensions and escalation.
During the Security Council meeting regarding the Iranian attack on Israel, he added, "It is time to step back from the brink. It is essential to avoid any action that could lead to a major military confrontation on multiple fronts in the Middle East."
The UN Secretary-General stressed that "civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price [for military action]. We have a shared responsibility to actively engage all stakeholders in preventing further escalation." Guterres noted that regional and global peace and security are being destroyed by the hour. He said, "Neither the region nor the world can afford new wars."
He added, "I remind all member states that the UN Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state; furthermore, the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and their staff must be respected in all circumstances in accordance with international law, as I stated in my condemnation of the attack that targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1."
