US-Israel Attack Iran, UN Regrets Wasted Nuclear Negotiations
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep regret over the US-Israel military strikes against Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. According to Guterres, the ongoing nuclear negotiations between these nations have been rendered futile.
“I deeply regret that this opportunity for diplomacy has been wasted,” said Guterres, as reported on Sunday (1 March).
Nuclear negotiations between the US-Israel and Iran had entered a third round of talks being conducted in Austria. Next week, the US-Israel and Iran were scheduled to hold technical discussions to follow up on the negotiations.
The UN is urging immediate de-escalation and an end to hostilities in the Middle East so that conflicting nations can return to the negotiating table.
“If not, what will occur is a wider conflict with serious consequences for civilians and regional stability,” added Guterres.
However, such efforts may prove futile. Guterres has received reports that US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister have separately communicated with partners in the Middle East.
He called upon all UN member states to comply with international law, including the UN Charter, to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to ensure nuclear security.
The United States and its ally Israel launched strikes against Iran, including the capital Tehran, on Saturday (28 February). The strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including school-age children.
In response, Iran 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 on his workplace.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran against launching retaliatory strikes following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strikes have also impacted flight schedules at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali.
Economists have noted that the probability of rupiah depreciation at the start of trading remains quite high given the escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict. The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point in international geopolitical dynamics amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States.