UN chief Guterres warns of ‘rathole of retaliation’ after US strikes on Iran
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United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that escalating military actions, including the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, risk dragging the region into “a rathole of retaliation”.
Addressing an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Guterres stated that the attacks represent a dangerous escalation in an already fragile Middle East.
"From the outset of the (Israeli-Iranian) crisis, I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East. The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction. And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation," he warned.
To avoid further escalation, diplomacy must prevail, civilians must be protected, and safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed, Guterres said.
"We must act -- immediately and decisively -- to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear program," he urged.
Guterres urged the international community to pursue a credible, comprehensive, and verifiable path toward restoring trust, highlighting the importance of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to Xinhua news agency.
He underscored the centrality of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in maintaining global peace and security, emphasising that Iran must uphold its commitments under the accord.
Guterres also reminded all UN member states of their duty to adhere to the UN Charter and the broader framework of international and humanitarian law.
"The United Nations stands ready to support any and all efforts toward a peaceful resolution. But peace cannot be imposed, it must be chosen," said Guterres.
"We face a stark choice. One path leads to wider war, deeper human suffering, and serious damage to the international order. The other leads to de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue. We know which path is right."
He also urged the Security Council and all UN member states to act with reason, restraint and urgency for peace.
(inputs from IANS)