UN Chief Emphasizes Diplomacy for Iran, Yemen; Calls for Security Council Reform
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated on Wednesday that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb must be restored and respected in accordance with international law. He emphasized that de-escalation in the Middle East (West Asia) should be the top priority, with all parties refraining from actions that harm civilians. Guterres asserted that there is no alternative to reducing tensions, employing diplomacy, and engaging in dialogue to advance matters in the region.
The UN Secretary-General addressed the situation concerning Israel and Palestine, stating that Israel does not accept the current Gaza peace plan and that its ongoing attacks threaten civilians. He called for an end to the gradual annexation of the West Bank and any actions that could lead to ethnic cleansing, demanding the full implementation of the Gaza peace plan and unimpeded humanitarian aid flow. Guterres noted that Israel is the party refusing to implement the peace plan and reiterated the need to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank, stop ethnic cleansing efforts, and support a two-state solution. He highlighted the unacceptable gradual annexation of land and settler violations in the West Bank, often with the support of security forces, and stressed the importance of facilitating communication between Gaza and the West Bank to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution.
Guterres further added that peace in the Middle East (West Asia) cannot be achieved without resolving the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, nor can peace in the Horn of Africa be attained without addressing the situation in Sudan. He described the situation in Sudan as dire and the humanitarian crisis as devastating, pointing out that several foreign countries are fueling the conflict and must be held accountable for their interventions. He cited a UN Security Council panel of experts’ conclusion regarding foreign interventions in the Sudanese conflict. Guterres clarified that the “Peace Council” is not a substitute for the UN in Gaza, and the UN continues to lead various activities there despite existing obstacles.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Guterres stated that it is time for a ceasefire as a first step toward a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the UN Charter and international law, emphasizing the vital nature of achieving a ceasefire and preparing for a transition to peace.
In a statement that did not reference Saudi Arabia’s attacks on Yemeni forces, Guterres strongly condemned the Houthi (Yemeni army and fighters) attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and their obstruction of shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. He reiterated that a military solution to the conflict in Yemen appears unlikely and stressed the importance of maintaining a channel for serious negotiations to resolve the dispute.
The UN Secretary-General acknowledged the necessity of reforming the Security Council, stating that its current composition reflects past decades rather than the present world. He attributed the paralysis of the council to geopolitical divisions and the influence of powers that violate international law. Guterres warned that when major powers fail to uphold international law, other nations may feel emboldened to act with impunity.
Responding to a question about a potential mediation summit between Iran and the United States, Guterres stated that the UN can only organize events if the involved parties are willing to participate. He concluded that there is no solution to the crisis concerning Iran without dialogue, which can take place at the UN or elsewhere.
