UN Chief Warns of Endless Retaliation Spiral After U.S. Strikes on Iran
UN chief Guterres warns of "red hole of retaliation" after U.S. strikes on Iran, urging de-escalation: "Peace cannot be imposed. It must be chosen." Calls for diplomacy, IAEA access, and compliance with international law to avoid wider war.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Sunday of a dangerous and potentially unending cycle of retaliatory violence between Israel and Iran, following the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Guterres called the situation “a perilous turn” in an already fragile region.
‘A Red Hole of Retaliation’
“Two days ago, in this very chamber, I made a direct appeal: give peace a chance,” Guterres said. “Instead, the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.”
Warning of a potential descent into “a red hole of retaliation after retaliation,” the UN chief said that such escalation risks catastrophic consequences for civilians and the wider Middle East.
Call for Diplomacy and Compliance with International Law
Guterres called for immediate action to halt the violence and resume negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. “Diplomacy must prevail. Civilians must be protected. Safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed,” he stated.
He urged all parties to pursue “a credible, comprehensive, and verifiable solution” and stressed the importance of full access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors.
“The Non-Proliferation Treaty is a cornerstone of international peace and security,” Guterres said. “Iran must fully respect it. And all member states must act in accordance with their obligations under the UN Charter and international law.”
A Stark Choice for the World
Emphasizing the urgency of the moment, the Secretary-General concluded with a clear call for restraint. “We face a stark choice: one path leads to wider war and deeper human suffering; the other leads to de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue.”
“Peace cannot be imposed. It must be chosen,” Guterres said, urging the Security Council and all UN member states to act with reason and urgency. “We cannot and must not give up on peace.”
