20 June 2025
I thank you Secretary-General Guterres for your remarks and for your untiring efforts at peace. I also thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director-General Grossi for the very important updates provided.
Colleagues,
The recent escalation between Israel and Iran, poses an immediate threat to the security and stability of an already volatile region. The effects of this conflict could extend far beyond its immediate borders, exacerbated by the non-compliance with international law. Sadly, regional and international peace and security are now both under threat.
Guyana took note of Israel’s letter of 17 June 2025 in which the Council was informed of Operation Rising Lion aimed at “neutralizing the existential and imminent threat from Iran’s nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes”. We also took note of Iran’s letter of 18 June 2025 in which it “reserves its right to self-defense to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, the Iranian people and its vital national interests”.
While acknowledging these letters, we urge both Iran and Israel to exercise maximum restraint to avoid plummeting the region into deeper crisis and dangerously close to a nuclear catastrophe. We also urge both parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, the UN Charter and the relevant Security Council resolutions. We emphasise that a state’s right to self-defence does not absolve them of their responsibilities and obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law.
Colleagues,
The Middle East has long endured a fragile stability, constantly threatened by geopolitical tensions and unresolved conflicts. As the war in Gaza continues, this new escalation threatens to shatter the delicate balance, igniting a wider regional conflagration with unimaginable consequences. It risks drawing in more actors, further entrenching cycles of violence, and making a peaceful resolution increasingly elusive. Like the Secretary-General, Guyana firmly believes that dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law are the only pathways to sustainable peace in the region.
We call on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, de-escalate tensions, and return to the path of diplomacy. The root causes of this escalation must be addressed with urgency, and the parties must work towards a comprehensive and lasting political solution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region.
Colleagues,
Guyana is also concerned about the possible humanitarian consequences and reiterates its call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Media reports indicate that over 200 persons have already been killed in Iran and at least 24 in Israel as a result of the escalation. It is important to ensure that more civilian lives are not lost.
Finally, Guyana takes positive note of the meeting in Geneva today with the E3 (UK, France and Germany), the EU and Iran. We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting any Security Council measure aimed at preserving international peace and security.
I thank you!