UN Warns of Escalating Middle East Crisis
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday of a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East, expressing concern that the region could face a return to outright war amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Speaking during a UN Security Council session on mediation and dialogue in the Middle East, Guterres said the crisis was deepening with consequences extending far beyond the region.
“The Middle East is being pulled deeper into crisis, and the consequences reach far beyond the region,” Guterres said. “This week has brought wider attacks and further deterioration. I am profoundly concerned that it could trigger a full resumption of conflict.”
He warned that continued instability could affect the global economy, supply chains, and food prices.
Call for Diplomacy in Lebanon
Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Guterres said recent months have seen a serious escalation, with Israel intensifying military operations on Lebanese territory while Hezbollah expanded attacks deeper into Israel.
He called on all parties to pursue a diplomatic solution based on respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
“I appeal to all parties to implement the ceasefire agreements. No more attacks. No more excuses,” he said.
US Strikes and Iranian Retaliation
His remarks came after the United States announced that it had carried out overnight strikes on Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and command posts near the Strait of Hormuz, using fighter jets and precision-guided munitions.
Washington said the operation was conducted in self-defence following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched “heavy attacks” against US air and naval bases in the region, describing the operation as retaliation for what it called American aggression against targets in southern Iran.
This follows a new exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran on Sunday, the first since a fragile ceasefire came into effect in April. Both sides later agreed to halt attacks on Monday.
Article by Viory
