UN Chief Urges De-escalation of US-Iran Tensions, Discusses Middle East Situation with Gulf States
Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres is conducting intensive communications with several Gulf state leaders to press for de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
On Monday (2 March), Guterres spoke via telephone with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The conversation focused on the urgency of reducing tensions and reviving dialogue channels amid the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric issued an official statement to the media. “A short while ago, he spoke via telephone with His Majesty Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. The Secretary-General reiterated his condemnation of recent attacks on Qatar, which violated the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Dujarric told reporters on Monday (2 March).
According to Dujarric, the two leaders discussed the pressing need to halt military escalation in the region and return to the negotiating table to maintain regional stability.
In addition to Qatar, Guterres also communicated with the Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. In that conversation, the UN Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Oman’s role in advancing peaceful mediation processes in the region.
“During this weekend, he also spoke with the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, His Majesty Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The Secretary-General praised Oman for its efforts in mediating peaceful negotiations and reiterated his condemnation of attacks on Iran and Iranian attacks on Gulf states,” Dujarric said.
Dujarric also disclosed that Guterres had held several conversations with ambassadors from member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This measure is viewed as part of the UN’s diplomatic efforts to contain the potential expansion of the conflict.
Previously, on Saturday (28 February), the United States and Israel launched strikes against several targets in Iran, including Tehran. The attacks reportedly caused infrastructure damage and civilian casualties.
In response, Iran conducted retaliatory strikes against Israeli territory and targeted US military bases at various points throughout the Middle East.
A day later, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Tehran understood the anger of Persian Gulf states over Iran’s military actions. However, he emphasised that the conflict resulted from pressure and actions imposed on Iran by the United States.