The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, expressed this Wednesday his concern for the situation of the civilian population following the recent exchange of attacks between Washington and Tehran, which has resulted in at least four fatalities during the celebration of a wedding in the town of Sirik, in southern Iran.
In a press appearance, his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, indicated that Guterres "is deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including an attack that, according to reports, has affected a wedding ceremony in Iran. The Secretary-General condemns all attacks against civilians."
The highest official of the UN has called on the opposing parties to "respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution." He has also warned that "further escalation would have devastating consequences for the civilian population, the region as a whole, and beyond."
In this regard, Guterres "reiterates his call for an immediate cessation of military actions and urges the parties involved to act with restraint and to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could further exacerbate the already high tensions."
The Secretary-General has also emphasized that "few countries in the region are immune to this escalation" and that "both airspace and maritime routes" remain "severely affected" by the cross-attacks between the United States and Iran, which increases instability throughout the area.
On the other hand, he has pointed out that this rise in tension in the Middle East is occurring in a context where the region "is already facing numerous humanitarian crises," which increases the "risk" of an even greater deterioration of aid operations, which "are overwhelmed" and "lack sufficient funding" to assist the most vulnerable people.
"Despite the challenges, we and our humanitarian partners continue to respond with vital assistance where and when we can. The Secretary-General urges the United States and Iran to urgently resume the diplomatic path. Only through dialogue and negotiation can a comprehensive and lasting agreement be reached," concluded the UN spokesperson.