Iran (Washington Insider Magazine)— The Middle East faces a dire risk of a devastating full-scale conflict, warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres during an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Sunday. His remarks followed Iran’s overnight drone and missile attacks on Israel.
“It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. Now is the time for maximum restraint,” Guterres stated.
The session was convened at Israel’s request after it accused Iran of launching over 200 UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles in violation of international law. Iran, in turn, claimed its actions were a justified response to an earlier Israeli attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus.
The Aftermath
Most of Iran’s missiles were intercepted, but several struck Israeli territory, injuring civilians and damaging a military facility in southern Israel. Guterres condemned the attacks and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
A Call for Peace
The UN chief urged the international community to prevent escalation, secure a ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the release of hostages, and facilitate humanitarian aid. He also called for de-escalation in the West Bank and along the Blue Line, as well as the restoration of safe navigation in the Red Sea.
“We have a shared responsibility to work for peace. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,” he emphasized.
Reactions from Israel and Iran
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan condemned Iran’s attacks, describing them as unprecedented. “The world must no longer stand idle. Israel reserves the right to retaliate,” he declared.
In contrast, Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani defended Iran’s actions as a legitimate exercise of self-defense, criticizing the Security Council for shielding Israel from accountability for its actions against Palestinians.
US and Syrian Perspectives
US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood condemned Iran’s actions as reckless, emphasizing the need to hold Iran accountable for its violations. Meanwhile, Syrian Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak accused Israel and the US of perpetuating violence in the region and called for an end to hypocrisy and double standards.
