UN Chief Guterres regrets 'squandering' opportunity for diplomacy
World
The UN boss said this as the UNSC panel began its emergency meeting in the wake of US-Israel attacks on Iran, which Iran has responded to with strikes in countries across the region.
(Web Desk) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the Iran conflict on Saturday that he deeply regretted that an opportunity for diplomacy had been "squandered."
He also told the 15-member body he was not in a position to confirm Israeli reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The UN boss said this as the UNSC panel began its emergency meeting in the wake of US-Israel attacks on Iran, which Iran has responded to with strikes in countries across the region.
“Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world,” UN Secretary General Guterres said, adding that about 20 cities had been hit in Iran.
He noted reports of Iranian leaders being killed, but said he could not independently confirm.
“Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world,” he said.
“I call for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities. The alternative is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. I strongly urge all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table,” he said.
