UN Secretary-General condemns military escalation in the Middle East

Jakarta (ANTARA) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the military escalation that occurred in the Middle East on Saturday.

“I condemn the military escalation that occurred today in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s retaliatory actions across the region, undermines international peace and security,” Guterres said in a statement from New York on Saturday.

According to him, all Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter.

The Charter explicitly prohibits “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations,” he said.

For this reason, the UN Secretary-General called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failure to do so risks triggering a wider regional conflict with serious consequences for civilians and regional stability.

“I call upon all parties to return to the negotiating table immediately,” he said.

He also reaffirmed that there is no viable alternative to a peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full compliance with international law, including the UN Charter.

The Charter serves as the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security, according to Guterres.

On Saturday morning, Israel’s Ministry of Defence stated that it had launched an attack against Iran and declared an emergency status throughout its territory.

Shortly thereafter, the United States also launched attacks on a number of Iranian targets from air and sea, according to Reuters reports on Saturday, citing a US official.