Guterres: US-Israeli attacks on Iran pushed region to 'critical breaking point'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran have affected several countries and pushed the region toward a critical breaking point.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Thursday that attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran have affected several countries and pushed the region toward a critical breaking point. Delivering remarks during the Ataturk International Peace Prize ceremony at the Presidential Complex, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented him with the award, Guterres said the escalation is disrupting trade, increasing energy prices and fueling instability, particularly affecting poor and vulnerable populations.

Call for de-escalation

Emphasizing that dialogue and de-escalation remain the only viable path forward, Guterres called on all parties to abandon hostilities, protect civilians under international law and return to negotiations. He noted that international law is increasingly being violated while geopolitical tensions and military spending continue to rise. "We talk a lot about peace in the world but see very little of it," he said. "International law is being violated, power politics is gaining ground, inequalities are growing and new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are increasing the risk of violence."

Türkiye's role praised

Beginning his speech by thanking Erdoğan, the Turkish government and the Turkish people, Guterres highlighted Türkiye's role in hosting refugees, saying the country opened its doors during an unprecedented displacement crisis as millions fled violence and persecution. He also praised Türkiye's leadership in the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages in Gaza.

Peace as call to action

Guterres said the award comes at a time of great suffering, conflicts and deepening geopolitical divisions, noting that trust in global cooperation is declining. He stressed that peace is more than a noble vision: "Peace is a rallying call. It is a call to action." Accepting the award on behalf of UN staff working worldwide for sustainable development and human rights, he dedicated it to UN personnel who lost their lives, particularly in Gaza, while carrying out humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Ataturk's legacy

Referring to Türkiye's founder Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's legacy, Guterres said the principle "Peace at home, peace in the world" reflects the spirit of the UN Charter. He stressed that civilians continue to pay the highest price in conflicts, pointing to the Middle East crisis as one of the most tragic examples.

Conflict context

Guterres' warning comes as the US-Israeli war against Iran, launched Feb. 28, has killed over 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and caused widespread destruction in both Iran and Israel. Tehran has retaliated with approximately 3,200 missile and UAV attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US assets.