The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has declared himself "alarmed" this Wednesday by the recent exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran and by the launch of projectiles by the Islamic Republic against Kuwait and Bahrain during the previous night. Faced with this scenario, he has insisted that "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be fully respected."
"The Secretary-General is alarmed by the exchange of fire that occurred during the night between the United States and Iran and by reports that Iran has attacked Kuwait and Bahrain," Guterres' spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, explained at a press conference.
The UN representative also stressed that "he is deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties" and that "he condemns all attacks against civilian infrastructure," recalling that "International Humanitarian Law strictly prohibits attacking civilian targets." These statements come after Iran's latest attacks against Kuwait caused one death and material damage at the International Airport, although Tehran maintains that these consequences are due to the fall of United States Patriot interceptor missiles.
In this context, the UN Secretary-General has called on "all parties to fulfill their obligations" and "to take all possible precautions to protect the civilian population."
On the other hand, reiterating that "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be fully respected," Guterres has called on States to "exercise maximum restraint and avoid any escalation that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts," to which he has reiterated "his full support." In this framework, he has valued Pakistan's role in mediation efforts and urged all those involved "to participate constructively and in good faith in diplomatic initiatives."