— If there are attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran or from Iran, I believe there are reasonable grounds to believe that they could constitute war crime – he said in an interview for POLITICO during his visit to Brussels before Thursday's European Council summit.
On Wednesday, Israel attacked Iran's South Pars natural gas field. Tehran then launched a retaliatory attack on a large energy complex in Qatar. Additionally, Guterres stated that the rising number of civilian casualties exposes both sides to the conflict to possible charges of war crimes.
Representatives of the U.S. and Israeli governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Guterres' comments. The US and Israel launched a bombing campaign on February 28, killing Iran's supreme leader and triggering ongoing retaliatory missile and drone attacks on facilities across the Middle East.
The UN Secretary-General, calling for de-escalation in the region, seemed to blame Israel for the escalation of the conflict and called on US President Donald Trump to persuade Israeli leader Binyamin Netanyahu to end the fighting.
— The war must end and I believe it will it is up to the US to end it. It is possible [zakończenie wojny]but it depends on the political will to do it, Guterres said. — I am convinced that Israel, in accordance with its strategy, seeks to completely destroy Iran's military potential and change the regime.
— I also believe that Iran has its own strategy, which is to resist as long as possible and do as much damage as possible. The key to solving the problem is therefore the decision of the United States to recognize that it has done its job, he added. — President Trump will be able to convince those who need to be convinced that the job is done. That this operation can be completed.
The article continues below the video
The situation is getting out of control
The Secretary General attributed the American decision to launch attacks on Iran to Israel. — I have no doubt that this was consistent with Israel's strategy to draw the United States into the war. This goal has been achieved. It does, however enormous suffering in Iran, [a także] in the region, even in Israel. It also has a devastating impact on the global economy, with consequences that are still too early to predict. So we absolutely must end this conflict, he said.
However, finding a way out of this situation may prove difficult, and relations between the UN and the Trump administration remain frosty.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Brussels, 19 March 2026Dursun Aydemir / AFP
Guterres, asked if he had spoken to Trump since the conflict broke out three weeks ago, replied firmly: “no, no, no, I'm talking to those I need to talk to, but it's not a soap opera.”
However, he claimed that remains “in contact with all parties”including with the Trump administration, since hostilities spread across the Persian Gulf. “A quick end to this war is crucial for the entire world,” Guterres said.
The situation is indeed getting out of control and the latest attacks represent an escalation that is extremely dangerous.
“Russia is already the winner”
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States did not consent to Israel's attack on the South Pars field and that Israel “reacted violently.” This raises questions about how much influence the US has over its ally.
— I hope the United States will be able to understand that the situation has gone too far Guterres said. He added that this conflict primarily benefits Russia, and Moscow welcomes the diversion of attention from its own war in Ukraine.
— Russia is the biggest beneficiary of the Iran crisis, the secretary noted. — Russia is the country that benefits most from what is happening in this terrible catastrophe. Russia is already a winner.
Meanwhile, European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said they would not send ships to the Persian Gulf in response to Trump's appeal for help opening the Strait of Hormuz. France said it would only send support ships “when the situation calms down.”
Guterres praised the restraint shown by the Europeans despite Trump's anger over his refusal to actively support the war or help reopen the Strait of Hormuz – a key maritime artery that Iran has largely blocked, driving up global energy prices.
— I think these countries made their own assessment of the situation, and I think they made the decision not to get too involved, knowing that the most important goal is de-escalation Guterres concluded.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
