New York, March 3, 2026 – The Europe Today: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties as military strikes intensify across the Middle East, warning of the growing risk of wider regional destabilization.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General is “particularly concerned about the growing number of civilians we are seeing being killed and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.”
Dujarric stressed that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law.
He also noted that the expansion of attacks to countries not initially involved in the conflict is especially troubling. “The expansion of attacks to countries that were not involved in the initial attack is, according to the Secretary-General, particularly worrying, whether we’re talking about Gulf countries, Jordan, Syria, or Lebanon,” Dujarric said.
Call for De-escalation and Dialogue
Warning of an increasing risk of humanitarian fallout across the region, the UN chief called for de-escalation, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and the resumption of genuine dialogue and negotiations in line with the Charter of the United Nations.
Referring to earlier remarks by Guterres, Dujarric reiterated the Secretary-General’s warning that ongoing military action carries the danger of “igniting a chain of events that no one can control.”
“We are at a risk where there is zero room for miscalculation,” he added.
The latest escalation follows large-scale strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday, reportedly resulting in the deaths of several senior Iranian leaders. Tehran has since responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as regional countries hosting US assets.
The United Nations continues to monitor developments closely and has reiterated its appeal for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
