UN chief says US strikes on Iran mark dangerous escalation in volatile region

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep alarm on Sunday over the US strikes on Iran, warning that the escalation poses a direct threat to international peace and security in a region already on the brink.

“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security,” Guterres said in a post on X.

He cautioned that the conflict risked spiraling out of control with potentially catastrophic consequences for “civilians, the region, and the world.”

Guterres urged all UN member states to de-escalate and abide by their obligations under international law and the UN Charter. He stressed that diplomacy—not military action—is the only viable path forward.