UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran and urged both sides to stop fighting.
Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said Guterres had warned for some time that continued failure to negotiate could widen the conflict.
Speaking to reporters in New York, Haq said recent developments appeared to confirm those concerns. He described the escalation as negative and stressed the need for immediate de-escalation.
The UN chief called on Washington and Tehran to halt hostilities and return to negotiations. Furthermore, he urged both sides to pursue diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation.
Pakistan, Qatar Support Mediation Efforts
Guterres also backed ongoing mediation efforts involving Pakistan, Qatar, and other countries seeking to facilitate dialogue between the opposing sides.
Haq said the secretary-general wanted the parties to resume diplomatic efforts instead of allowing military confrontation to expand.
The UN has repeatedly warned that prolonged fighting could create wider regional instability and increase risks for civilians.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue as mediators seek ways to reduce tensions and bring the United States and Iran back to negotiations.
The secretary-general’s latest appeal comes amid renewed fighting that has raised concerns about a broader conflict.
The United Nations has emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred path toward resolving the dispute and preventing further escalation.
