UN Secretary-General makes a passionate appeal for peace after US attacks on Iran
New York: Following the United States’ recent military attacks on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a passionate call for peace during an emergency special session of the Security Council held at UN Headquarters in New York on Sunday (local time). He called for swift action to de-escalate the Iranian crisis.

“We cannot – and must not – give up on peace,” Guterres said, urging immediate action to avert the threat of reprisals and more intense fighting in the area.
“Threats to international peace and security” was the agenda subject for the session, and Guterres warned that the US assault on Iran was a “perilous turn” to the region’s worsening situation.
“I made a clear plea in this same chamber two days ago: Give peace a chance. They didn’t answer that call. Rather, the United States’ attack on Iranian nuclear installations is a dangerous development in an already unstable area,” he said.
He emphasized the need to protect people and maintain secure sea movement while denouncing the military buildup and the grave repercussions of a possible cycle of retribution.
In support of a “credible, comprehensive, and verifiable solution” to Iran’s nuclear program, including full access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors, the UN head urged a return to negotiation.
“I have always denounced any military escalation in the Middle East from the beginning of the conflict. The local population cannot put up with one more destructive cycle. However, we now run the danger of falling into a vicious cycle of reprisals. Diplomacy must win out in order to prevent it. People need to be safeguarded. Ensuring safe marine navigation is vital.
We must take swift, decisive action to put an end to the violence and resume meaningful, long-term talks over Iran’s nuclear program. As the UN technical authority in this area, the General Secretary said, “We need a credible, comprehensive, and verifiable solution – one that restores trust – including full access to inspectors of the IAEA.”
“The Non-Proliferation Treaty is a cornerstone of international peace and security,” Guterres said, restating the UN’s willingness to promote peaceful settlements. Iran ought to respect it completely. Additionally, every Member State is required to adhere to the UN Charter and other international legal norms.
“One path leads to wider war, deeper human suffering, and serious damage to the international order,” he said, emphasizing the grave decision that lies ahead. The alternative results in conversation, diplomacy, and de-escalation.
Guterres continued by urging the Council and all Member States to act with “reason, restraint, and urgency” because “we know which path is right.” Peace is something we cannot and must not give up on.
The meeting followed Saturday’s (local time) “massive precision” attacks by the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which targeted three of Iran’s most important nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The US began an operation in Iran on Sunday, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that it was successful.
Hegseth stated the United States had successfully carried out precise attacks on Iran’s Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz during a media briefing with Air Force General Dan Caine, the Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The military has ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear aspirations, according to Hegseth, who also added that the US President’s instructions were unambiguous.