‘Gravely Alarmed’: Guterres Slams US Strikes On Iran, Urges De-escalation

In response to the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stern warning on Sunday, calling the attacks a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to international peace and security. Guterres strongly emphasized that there is no military solution to the ongoing crisis and urged all parties to return to diplomacy.

The U.S. airstrikes, carried out early Sunday under President Donald Trump's orders, targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites - Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan - in coordination with Israel. Trump declared the mission a "very successful attack," claiming that Iran's nuclear enrichment infrastructure had been "completely and totally obliterated."

Reacting to the operation, Guterres expressed grave concern, stating, "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge - and a direct threat to international peace and security."

He further warned that the ongoing hostilities could spiral out of control, with devastating consequences. "There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control - with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world," he said.

Guterres called upon all UN member states to fulfill their commitments under the UN Charter and international law, and to actively work to de-escalate the crisis. "At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos," he added.

Reinforcing his call for a diplomatic solution, the UN chief stated, "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace."

Guterres had earlier posted on X on June 20, amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, urging all involved parties to choose dialogue over confrontation. "My message to the parties - and potential parties - to the conflict between Israel and Iran is simple and clear: Give peace a chance," he wrote.

While the United States insists the targeted facilities were part of Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions, Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is strictly for civilian purposes.

Guterres' latest remarks underline growing global concern that the conflict, if not immediately addressed through diplomacy, could ignite a wider regional or even global crisis. He has urged the international community to act responsibly and prioritize peace over continued aggression.