New York: With the Middle East unstable and international law under threat, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Tuesday that the United States and Iran must negotiate to avoid escalating global chaos.
He addressed journalists at UN headquarters in New York.
He warned that humanitarian and legal obligations were being ignored, fueling instability.
He said upholding international law would be central to his visit to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
The crisis has caused major disruption, including in shipping and for seafarers.
“Justice is meant to be blind. But today, too many are choosing to turn a blind eye to justice itself.
“Around the world – and starkly in the Middle East – respect for international law is being trampled.
“This is not the moment to retreat from international law. It is the moment to reaffirm it,” he said.
The ICJ, marking its 80th anniversary, remains a pillar of the international legal order, which Guterres said: “has fulfilled that role with distinction”.
However, he said the visit “is not simply about commemorating an anniversary. It is about sending an unmistakable message.
“A message that the United Nations stands firmly behind institutions protecting peace, justice, sovereignty and human dignity.
“A message that international law applies to all States, without exception, and respect for its rules is not optional.”
He warned that without it, “instability spreads, mistrust deepens, and conflicts spiral out of control”.
According to him, there is no military solution, stressing that peace requires sustained engagement and political will.
He urged renewed negotiations and respect for navigational rights, including in the Strait of Hormuz. “Now is the time for restraint and diplomacy. Let us uphold international law together,” he stated.