UN chief warns nuclear threat at highest level in decades

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that global peace faces serious threats, with the risk of nuclear weapons use reaching its highest level in decades.

Guterres said rising global tensions have driven military spending to unprecedented levels and made conflicts more dangerous.

In a statement released Thursday, he said the spread of small arms and light weapons, along with emerging technologies, is increasing the lethality of wars.

The UN chief warned that world leaders must act to prevent further escalation and stop threatening the use of nuclear weapons.

He also urged governments to halt arms races and invest in strengthening peace and trust among nations instead of expanding military arsenals.

Guterres stressed that fulfilling disarmament commitments and strengthening non-proliferation systems could help prevent major catastrophes and build a safer world.

Tensions have sharply escalated in recent weeks following military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with missile strikes, drone attacks and air operations reported across parts of the Middle East.

Since the latest escalation began in late February, Iranian missile attacks on Israel have killed at least 11 people and injured more than 1,000 others, according to reports cited by NBC News.

Strikes attributed to the United States and Israel on Iranian targets have also caused casualties inside Iran, with Iranian authorities reporting dozens killed and many more wounded in attacks on military and strategic facilities.

Against this backdrop, Guterres urged world leaders to prioritise diplomacy and restraint, warning that continued escalation could deepen the conflict and threaten wider regional stability.

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