New York, September 02 (QNA) - Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, expressed profound consternation over the fresh exchange of fire overnight between the United States and Iran.
Addressing the daily media stakeout, UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said the Secretary-General condemns all attacks on civilians, calling on all parties to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
Guterres further reiterated his call for immediate cessation of military operations, urging all concerned parties to remain measured and refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could further escalate tensions.
Dujarric warned that any additional escalation would have grave consequences for civilians, as well as the whole region and beyond, stating that upping the ante in the Middle East has had a devastating impact on civilians and exacerbated overwhelming pressures on humanitarian needs in the ongoing operations across the region and beyond.
In a region which has been already embroiled in numerous humanitarian crises, there is a peril in terms of further deterioration at a time when humanitarian operations are already beset by staggering pressures and funding shortages, Dujarric added.
As such, Guterres implored the US and Iran to immediately return to diplomacy, stressing that reaching a comprehensive and enduring settlement hinges on dialogue and negotiations. (QNA)