UN Secretary General calls for restraint in the Middle East conflict

UN Secretary General calls for restraint in the Middle East conflict

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of further escalation in the Middle East in view of Iran's direct attack on Israel. Guterres described the situation as critical and stressed the need for de-escalation as the region is already on the brink. Iran's attack on Israel with drones and missiles was largely intercepted by Israel, but caused serious concern.

The US announced it would consider measures to hold Iran accountable. US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood called for a clear condemnation of the attack by the Security Council. Iran defended its actions as necessary and proportionate and emphasized its right to self-defense. Nevertheless, it was emphasized that Iran would be held accountable if further measures were taken against the US or Israel.

Israel accused Iran of violating international law and called for unequivocal condemnation and the reintroduction of sanctions against Iran. Israel's UN ambassador, Gilad Erdan, made it clear that the time for diplomatic measures was over and called for decisive steps against Iran. The Iranian attack followed a previous attack on an embassy compound in Damascus in which seven Revolutionary Guard officers were killed.

A seven-year-old girl was seriously injured in the attack and an Israeli military facility suffered minor damage. The situation in the Middle East remains extremely tense and the international community will continue to push for a de-escalation of tensions to avoid a full-scale confrontation.