Bombing of Iranian Nuclear Facilities ‘Marks Perilous Turn in Region Already Reeling’, Secretary-General Tells Security Council, Appealing for Peace

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council, in New York today:

I would like to make a small introduction and then my two colleagues will brief the Council.

Two days ago, in this very Chamber, I made a direct appeal:  Give peace a chance.  That call was not heeded.  Instead, the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.

From the outset of the crisis, I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East.  The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction.  And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation.

To avoid it, diplomacy must prevail.  Civilians must be protected.  Safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed.  We must act — immediately and decisively — to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear programme.

We need a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution — one that restores trust — including with full access to inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as the United Nations technical authority in this field.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty is a cornerstone of international peace and security.  Iran must fully respect it.

And all Member States must act in accordance with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and other rules of international law, including international humanitarian law.

The United Nations stands ready to support any and all efforts towards a peaceful resolution.  But, peace cannot be imposed — it must be chosen.

We face a stark choice.  One path leads to wider war, deeper human suffering and serious damage to the international order.  The other leads to de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue.  We know which path is right.

I urge this Council — and all Member States — to act with reason, restraint and urgency.  We cannot — and must not — give up on peace.