United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the escalating military confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that continued hostilities could trigger a broader regional conflict.

In a statement posted Saturday on his official X account, Guterres expressed deep concern over the exchange of attacks and called on all parties to halt military operations and return to diplomacy.

“I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East,” he said. “The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermines international peace & security.”

The UN chief stressed that all countries involved must comply with their obligations under international law, particularly the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Guterres warned that continued exchanges risk destabilising an already fragile region and endangering civilian lives. “I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation,” he said, cautioning that failure to do so could have “grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.”

He urged the parties to return to negotiations, reiterating the UN’s long-standing position that peaceful settlement remains the only sustainable path to resolving disputes.

The statement comes amid growing international concern following intensified military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with several global leaders and organisations calling for restraint to prevent further escalation.