UN Chief: U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites Trigger "Perilous Turn"

(MENAFN) On Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that the recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities represent a "perilous turn" for a Middle East already deeply destabilized by ongoing conflicts. He urged all involved parties to prioritize diplomacy and exercise restraint.

During an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Iran—called for by Tehran and supported by Russia—Guterres recalled his plea made just two days prior: "Two days ago, in this very chamber, I made a direct appeal: Give peace a chance. That call was not heeded."

Guterres stated that "instead, the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling." He emphasized that the Middle East "cannot endure another cycle of destruction," cautioning, "We now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation."

The UN chief stressed the necessity of diplomacy, protection of civilians, and ensuring secure maritime navigation to prevent further destruction. He said, "To avoid it, diplomacy must prevail. Civilians must be protected. Safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed."

Further emphasizing the role of international norms, Guterres called for a trustworthy and verifiable resolution to rebuild confidence, including granting full access to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors, whom he described as the UN’s technical authority on nuclear oversight.

Reaffirming the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as "a cornerstone of international peace and security," he urged Iran to comply fully with the agreement and reminded all UN members to respect the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

The UN chief emphasized, "Peace cannot be imposed; it must be chosen," calling on the Security Council and "all member states to act with reason, restraint, and urgency. We cannot—and must not—give up on peace."

This emergency session followed US President Donald Trump’s early Sunday announcement of airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

The US employed six bunker-buster bombs dropped by B-2 stealth bombers against the Fordo site, supplemented by numerous submarine-launched cruise missile strikes targeting Natanz and Isfahan.

These strikes marked the latest escalation in a US-backed Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on June 13, provoking Iranian retaliatory missile attacks on Israel.

Israeli officials reported at least 25 deaths and hundreds of injuries caused by these Iranian missile strikes.

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