New York (Web Desk/Agencies): United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for calm amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, warning that the worsening situation could trigger a wider, uncontrollable conflict.
Addressing a session of the UN Security Council on Friday, Guterres called on all involved — and those considering involvement — to step back and prioritize diplomacy over confrontation.
"To the parties directly or potentially involved, and to the Security Council as the voice of the global community, my message is simple: give peace a chance," said the UN chief, in what appeared to be a subtle message to the United States, which is reportedly weighing military support for Israel.
Guterres painted a stark picture of the current trajectory of events, stating:
"We are not slowly moving toward crisis — we are accelerating toward it. What we are witnessing is not a series of isolated incidents, but signs of looming chaos."
He stressed that the expansion of hostilities could ignite a conflict far beyond the control of any single nation.
"The spread of this conflict could spark a blaze that no one will be able to contain. We must prevent that at all costs."
The Secretary-General’s remarks come as fears mount over the possibility of a broader regional war, with international calls for restraint growing louder.