Credit: Gary Raynaldo /  © Diplomatic Times /  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at press conference at  UN world headquarters in New York Jan. 6, 2020.

By Gary Raynaldo       DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED NATIONS    –   NEW   YORK  –  UN Secretary-General António Guterres pleaded Monday  for the U.S. and Iran to de-escalate  tensions, which he described as being “at their highest level this century” as the new decade dawns.  Tensions in the Middle East have been at a dangerous point point since the U.S. killed a top Iranian last week in Iraq.  Iran vowed revenge. The U.S. has said it will bomb Iran if Tehran retaliates.

 “The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil. We are living in dangerous times.  Geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century. And this turbulence is escalating. Even nuclear non-proliferation can no longer be taken for granted.”

-UN Secretary-General António Guterres

The UN chief spoke at a press conference at the world body’s headquarters in New York. UN Secretary-General Guterres  did not specifically reference the events of recent days following the targeted killing by a United States drone, of Iran’s most influential general, QasemSoleimani, in Iraq last Friday. Iran has vowed to avenge the killing of the elite Quds Force commander, and on Sunday it signified it would no longer be bound by the restrictions on its nuclear programme, outlined in the 2015 deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. “ I have been following the recent rise in global tensions with great concern. I am in constant contact with leading officials around the world. My message is simple and clear: Stop escalation. Exercise maximum restraint. Re-start dialogue,” the UN chief said.

Diplomatic Times Video /  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at press conference at  UN world headquarters in New York Jan. 6, 2020.

Secretary-General António Guterres  added:  “Let us not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war.  As always, ordinary people pay the highest price.  It is our common duty to avoid it.”

Credit: Gary Raynaldo /  © Diplomatic Times /  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at press conference at  UN world headquarters in New York Jan. 6, 2020.

Credit: Gary Raynaldo /  © Diplomatic Times /  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres departs brief media address  at  UN world headquarters in New York Jan. 6, 2020.