UN Secretary-General: US-Israel Attacks on Iran Render Nuclear Negotiations "Futile"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern that attacks on Iran demonstrate that diplomatic opportunities from ongoing nuclear negotiations have been “squandered”.
At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council regarding Iran at UN Headquarters in New York on Saturday local time, Guterres highlighted that the US-Israel attacks occurred following the third round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran mediated by Oman.
“I deeply regret that this diplomatic opportunity has been squandered,” Guterres said, according to a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.
He also noted preparations that had been undertaken for technical talks in Vienna, Austria, in the coming week, which would be followed by a new round of political discussions as a continuation of the US-Iran negotiations.
The UN Secretary-General subsequently urged immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, with all conflicting parties encouraged to return to the negotiating table.
“I call for immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities. If this does not occur, the result will be a wider conflict with serious consequences for civilians and regional stability,” said Guterres.
He also called on all UN member states to consistently comply with international law, including the UN Charter, ensure civilians continue to be protected under international humanitarian law, and guarantee nuclear security.
On Saturday morning (28 February) local time, the United States and Israel launched a series of attacks on Iran, including the capital Tehran, resulting in infrastructure damage and civilian casualties.
Iran subsequently launched retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was confirmed killed in the US-Israel missile strikes against his office. Following Khamenei’s death, the Iranian government announced 40 days of national mourning and one week of work suspension.
Meanwhile, President Trump, in an interview with CBS News, joked that negotiations with Iran “will be much easier than the day before” following the US’s successful killing of Ali Khamenei.