UN Chief warns of full war in the Gulf, seeks new security framework
United Nations, June 10
Warning that a "full war" could erupt in the Gulf, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for a "new security architecture" for the region.
In the Gulf region, "the ceasefire is more like a 'lesser-fire' - as we have seen with the escalating attacks and rhetoric over the last 48 hours," he told the Security Council.
"We should not minimise the risks of 'lesser fire' becoming 'full fire', or in other words, 'full war'," he said.
The warning came as the fragile ceasefire that came into force in April was fraying, and US President Donald Trump threatened "to hit them hard again today" because they were taking "too long" to negotiate a peace deal.
After Iran, according to Trump, downed a US helicopter on Monday, the US launched attacks on Iran the next day. Iran, in turn, launched attacks on US-related targets in Bahrain and as far away as Jordan.
Guterres said, "It's time to explore a new security architecture for the Gulf - based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, non-interference in their internal affairs, and enhanced multilateral cooperation."
He did not explain in concrete terms what it could be, beyond the generalities.
Guterres said restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz were causing "hardships and instability across the world" and "pushing up inflation and piling on debt".
"Even in the best-case scenario, these shocks will be felt for many months - with developing countries bearing the heaviest impacts," he added.
"The world needs to see a complete ceasefire with navigational rights and freedoms restored, in line with international law, and serious negotiations on the nuclear issues - ensuring that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The UN chief says 'new security architecture' but what does that even mean? We need concrete action, not vague statements. Our diaspora in the Gulf is already worried. 😟 India must step up diplomatic efforts.
Trump threatening to 'hit them hard' and then UN talks about ceasefire - it's all a circus. India imports most of its oil from this region. Every time there's tension, our economy suffers. 🙏 Let peace prevail.
Guterres is right about one thing - developing countries bear the heaviest impacts. We are already struggling with inflation. The US and Iran need to stop playing games. India should call for an emergency UN meeting.
'Lesser fire' becoming 'full fire' - that's a good way to put it. But the UN has been giving warnings for months. What is the Security Council doing? 🤷♀️ India should push for a neutral mediation team.
As someone living in the Gulf, this is terrifying. The tension is palpable everywhere. India must evacuate its citizens if things get worse. The UN's 'new security framework' sounds nice but we need action now. ⚠️
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