United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an urgent ceasefire between Iran and Israel as the war intensifies. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Guterres warned that rising violence could spiral out of control if not stopped immediately. He urged both nations to return to peace talks, stressing that innocent civilians are suffering on both sides of the conflict.
The crisis escalated after Israel launched new airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites and nuclear facilities, claiming Tehran was close to developing nuclear weapons. Iran responded with a missile barrage, hitting southern Israeli cities, including Beersheba. Iranian officials said Israel’s strikes killed hundreds, including military leaders and scientists, while Israel reported dozens of civilian casualties from Iranian missile attacks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told the Human Rights Council that the war began during nuclear negotiations. He accused Israel of targeting residential areas, hospitals, and nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision. Araqchi said Iran will not resume talks under attack and blamed the U.S. for backing Israel. He called the attack a betrayal of diplomacy and a violation of international law.
As diplomatic efforts continue, European foreign ministers from Germany, France, and the UK met Araqchi in Geneva to push for a return to talks. While the U.S. remains open to negotiations, Iran has refused any dialogue until Israel halts its aggression. Expectations for a breakthrough remain low, with both sides firmly holding their ground.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged his nation to stay united and promised a “great victory.” Hezbollah also declared full support for Iran, calling the Israeli-American offensive a brutal act of aggression. The region remains tense, with fears that the conflict could spread further if no political solution is reached soon.