UN Chief Urges Israel-Iran Ceasefire Amid Escalating Tensions

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran, urging both nations to de-escalate and work towards a ceasefire. The ongoing exchange of airstrikes between the two countries has alarmed the international community.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Guterres reiterated his call for an “immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire,” emphasizing the importance of preventing any further international involvement in the conflict. He highlighted the potential for severe consequences if military interventions continued, not just for the involved parties but for the entire region.

Guterres condemned the loss of lives and damage to civilian infrastructure, stressing that diplomacy is essential in addressing contentious issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and regional security. He urged all member states to adhere to the UN Charter and international law, including humanitarian law, to avoid the devastation of war.

Addressing concerns about a potential US strike on an Iranian nuclear facility, Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, confirmed the Secretary-General’s apprehension and reiterated the need for preventing further internationalization of the conflict. The situation has intensified since Israel’s airstrikes on multiple Iranian sites last Friday, leading to retaliatory actions by Tehran. The conflict has resulted in over 250 fatalities across both nations.