United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the BBC that the United States increasingly acts with impunity, believing its power supersedes international law. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program, Guterres stated that Washington holds a "clear conviction" that multilateral solutions are irrelevant, prioritizing the exercise of U.S. power and influence, "sometimes in this respect by the norms of international law."

Guterres's remarks come in the wake of recent U.S. actions, including strikes in Venezuela and the seizure of its president, as well as former President Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland. These actions, according to Guterres, underscore a growing disregard for international norms and agreements. He expressed concern that the founding principles of the UN, particularly the equality of member states, are now under threat.

The UN was established in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II with the aim of preventing future global conflicts through international cooperation and adherence to international law. The organization's charter emphasizes the sovereign equality of all its members and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The U.S., as a permanent member of the Security Council, holds significant influence within the UN system.

Trump had previously voiced strong criticism of the United Nations, questioning its purpose during his address at the General Assembly in September. He asserted that he had "ended seven unendable wars" independently and that the UN "did not ev." His administration often pursued unilateral actions, withdrawing from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal.

The current status of the relationship between the U.S. and the UN remains a subject of international scrutiny. Guterres's comments highlight a growing concern among some international observers that the U.S. is undermining the multilateral system and prioritizing its own interests over collective global efforts. The implications of this shift in approach are likely to be debated extensively within the international community.