United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres told the Security Council in remarks that the reported bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States "marks a perilous turn" and urged member states to pursue diplomacy to avoid wider war and protect civilians.

Guterres said the conflict risks "descending into a red hole of retaliation" and called for immediate, decisive measures to halt fighting and return to sustained negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. "Civilians must be protected," he said.

"Two days ago, in this very chamber, I made a direct appeal. Give peace a chance," Guterres said, adding that the appeal was not heeded. He urged restoration of talks that include "full access to inspectors of the IAEA as the United Nations technical authority in this field," and said the Treaty on the Non‑Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is "a cornerstone of international peace and security." "Iran must fully respect it," he added.

Guterres also said that "safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed" and warned that the international order faces serious damage if the situation escalates. He framed the choice before the council as between a path that "leads to wider war, deeper human suffering, and serious damage to the international order" and one that "leads to de‑escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue." He urged the council and member states "to act with reason, restraint, and urgency."

The presiding officer of the council welcomed Guterres at the start of the exchange and later thanked him for his remarks. No motions, votes or formal council decisions on the matter were recorded in the transcript.