By Cecilia Ologunagba
New York, April 14, 2026
United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has called for serious negotiations between the United States and Iran, warning that respect for international law is being trampled.
He spoke to journalists at United Nations headquarters in New York City on Tuesday.
Guterres said humanitarian and legal obligations were being ignored in the Middle East and elsewhere, fuelling “chaos, suffering and destruction.”
He said upholding international law would be central to his visit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
The crisis has caused widespread devastation, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and left thousands of seafarers stranded.
“Justice is meant to be blind. But today, too many are choosing to turn a blind eye to justice itself.
“Around the world – and starkly in the Middle East – respect for international law is being trampled.
“This is not the moment to retreat from international law. It is the moment to reaffirm it,” he said.
The ICJ, marking its 80th anniversary, remains a pillar of the international legal order, which Guterres said “has fulfilled that role with distinction”.
However, he said the visit “is not simply about commemorating an anniversary. It is about sending an unmistakable message.
“A message that the United Nations stands firmly behind institutions protecting peace, justice, sovereignty and human dignity.
“A message that international law applies to all States, without exception, and respect for its rules is not optional.”
He warned that without it, “instability spreads, mistrust deepens, and conflicts spiral out of control”.
According to him, there is no military solution, stressing peace requires sustained engagement and political will.
He urged renewed negotiations and respect for navigational rights, including in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said: “It is time for restraint and responsibility.
“It is time for diplomacy over escalation. It is time for a renewed commitment to international law.”
