NNA - UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over Israel’s recent strikes on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran, warning against any military escalation in the Middle East. In a statement released by Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, the Secretary-General emphasized the particular gravity of attacks targeting nuclear installations while negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran’s nuclear program are ongoing.

Guterres reminded all UN Member States of their obligation to abide by the UN Charter and international law. He called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid plunging the region into a broader conflict, which he warned the Middle East “can hardly afford.”

The statement came amid heightened tensions and renewed international fears of a wider conflagration in the region.

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