UN chief, Russia and China condemn US-Israel strikes on Iran

Guterres warns Iran crisis threatens global peace: Urges respect for sovereignty and international law: Russia brands strikes an act of aggression against Tehran: China calls for immediate de-escalation and renewed negotiations

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, along with representatives of Russia and China, has condemned the United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that the unfolding crisis poses a grave threat to international peace and security, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.

Addressing an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Guterres said the situation in Iran risked destabilising not only the Middle East but also the broader international order. 

He stressed that all member states are bound by the principles of the United Nations Charter to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

“International law must be respected under all circumstances,” the secretary-general said, adding that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful resolution of disputes. 

He underscored that diplomacy remains the only sustainable path forward and urged all sides to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.

Russia’s envoy to the Security Council described the US and Israeli strikes as an act of aggression, saying Iran had effectively been “stabbed in the back.” 

The Russian representative argued that the attacks violated international norms and risked pushing the region toward wider conflict.

China’s delegate also called for restraint, urging all parties to refrain from targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

He emphasised the need for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to negotiations, saying that escalating tensions would serve no one’s interests.