UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, addressing the ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to RTHK, Guterres called for the U.S. and Israel to cease attacks on Iran and for Iran to stop its aggression towards neighboring countries. He emphasized that the UN Security Council has condemned these attacks and reiterated the importance of respecting navigation rights and freedoms in critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Guterres highlighted the severe human suffering caused by the conflict, noting its devastating economic consequences and the increasing scale of destruction. He warned that indiscriminate attacks are on the rise, placing the international community on the brink of a broader war.
The Secretary-General stressed the need for disputes to be resolved peacefully, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. He also underscored the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, and maintaining freedom of navigation.
Guterres is actively engaging with all parties involved and has dispatched his envoy, Arnault, to the Middle East to seek a peaceful resolution.