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UN Chief Worried About US-Iran Tensions Escalating to Conflict, Spokesperson Says

UN Chief Worried About US-Iran Tensions Escalating to Conflict, Spokesperson Says

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres is concerned about escalating US-Iran tensions.
  • His spokesperson stated that new measures and verbal exchanges could heighten the risk of war.
  • Guterres also noted disruptions to energy and food flows, emphasizing dialogue as the only sustainable solution.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres harbors deep anxiety over the potential for escalating tensions between the United States and Iran to spill into actual conflict, according to his spokesperson. The UN chief is closely monitoring the situation, expressing serious concern about any new measures or further verbal exchanges that could inflame the already volatile relationship.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, highlighted that the ongoing friction is not only a diplomatic concern but also has tangible impacts on global supply chains. He noted that the flow of energy resources and food supplies is increasingly being delayed and disrupted, adding another layer of urgency to the situation. This disruption underscores the far-reaching consequences of the US-Iran standoff.

In response to the escalating rhetoric, Guterres stressed that dialogue remains the sole viable path toward a sustainable resolution. His remarks came as he received a letter from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding new US sanctions. Dujarric confirmed the letter was distributed to the UN Security Council and General Assembly as per Iran's request, indicating a continued, albeit tense, diplomatic channel.

The Secretary-General's concerns also extend to the broader implications for international peace and security. While the specific details of the US sanctions and Iran's response are sensitive, Guterres's public statements signal a clear call for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic engagement to avert a wider conflict.

The UN Secretary-General is seriously concerned that any new measures, any new additional verbal exchanges we see between the two countries, could escalate into war. Moreover, as we see, the flow of energy, the flow of food, is being delayed, is being destroyed.

— Stephane DujarricDescribing UN Secretary-General António Guterres's concerns about US-Iran tensions and their impact on global supplies.
About this summary

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.