United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced profound alarm Wednesday over the escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran. He urged an immediate de-escalation, calling for a swift ceasefire amidst recent airstrikes.
Guterres strongly appealed to all parties, emphasizing the crucial need to avoid any further internationalization of the volatile conflict. He warned that additional military interventions could unleash enormous consequences across the entire region.
Such actions, the UN chief stressed, would not only impact those directly involved but also jeopardize broader peace and security. He condemned the tragic and unnecessary loss of civilian lives and the extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
Diplomacy remains the sole viable path to address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program and pressing regional security issues. The UN Charter, he reaffirmed, stands as the shared framework to save humanity from the scourge of war.
Guterres urged all member states to fully comply with the Charter and international law, including humanitarian principles. His spokesperson also highlighted the Secretary-General’s deep concern about any potential US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Regional tensions have intensified following Israeli airstrikes on multiple Iranian sites, including military and nuclear facilities. These attacks prompted swift retaliatory strikes from Tehran, further escalating the perilous situation.
Reports indicate at least 585 people have died and 1,326 sustained injuries in Iran since the initial Israeli assaults. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities confirm 24 fatalities and hundreds of injuries from subsequent Iranian missile attacks.
