UNITED NATIONS — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for "serious negotiations" between the United States and Iran, warning that international law is being disregarded in the Middle East. Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for diplomacy during the continuing regional conflict.
Guterres said humanitarian and legal obligations are being ignored in the Middle East and beyond, leading to widespread suffering and destruction. The conflict has caused significant casualties, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and left thousands of workers stranded on vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global trade in fuel, fertilizer and gas.
"Justice is meant to be blind. But today, too many are choosing to turn a blind eye to justice itself," Guterres said, adding that respect for international law is "being trampled" around the world, particularly in the Middle East.
He insisted the current period demands a reaffirmation of international law, not a retreat from it. Guterres stressed that international law is indispensable in a world facing increasing fragmentation and power competition, and that its absence allows instability to spread, mistrust to deepen, and conflicts to escalate out of control.
Guterres will visit the International Court of Justice in The Hague this week, with upholding international law as a central theme. The visit coincides with the ICJ's 80th anniversary.
Guterres said the visit aims to send an unmistakable message that the United Nations firmly supports the institutions and principles designed to protect peace, justice, sovereignty and human dignity. He stressed that international law applies to all states without exception and adherence to its rules is not optional.
Guterres reiterated his long-held position that there is no military solution to the crisis. He said achieving peace agreements requires persistent engagement and strong political will from all parties.
He called for serious negotiations to resume and for all parties to respect international navigational rights and freedoms, including those in the Strait of Hormuz, urging "restraint and responsibility" and "diplomacy over escalation."
