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UN Chief Fears Full War in Middle East Amid Iran-US Tensions
🇳🇴 Norway /Conflict & Security

UN Chief Fears Full War in Middle East Amid Iran-US Tensions

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that escalating tensions between Iran and the US could plunge the Middle East into full-scale war.
  • Guterres' statement followed reported attacks between Iran and the US, with the US alleging Iran shot down a helicopter.
  • The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, also expressed concern over the rising tensions and stressed the need for full respect of ceasefires and international law.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned against underestimating the risk of a "small fire becoming a big fire," or a full-scale war, in the Middle East. His stark warning came during a UN Security Council meeting, following reported retaliatory attacks between Iran and the United States. The tensions were reportedly sparked by the alleged downing of a US helicopter, with then-President Trump asserting Iran's responsibility and justifying a US response.

We must not underestimate the risk that a small fire becomes a big fire, or in other words – full war.

— António GuterresUN Secretary-General António Guterres' warning about the potential for full-scale war in the Middle East.

Adding to the concerns, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk voiced his apprehension regarding the escalating tensions. He emphasized the critical importance of fully respecting announced ceasefires and upholding international law. The statements from top UN officials highlight the volatile situation and the potential for wider conflict in the region.

We are always very relieved when ceasefires are announced, but ceasefires must be fully respected. International law must be fully respected.

— Volker TürkUN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk's statement on the need for respect of ceasefires and international law amid rising tensions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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