UN condemns US attack on Iran and civilian casualties
The United Nations has condemned the US attack on Iran last night following reports of civilian casualties, warning of rising tensions in the region. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate halt to military action and for the parties to return to diplomacy.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news briefing on Wednesday that the secretary-general is deeply concerned about the latest exchange of fire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to him, Guterres expressed particular alarm over reports of civilian casualties, including an attack on a wedding ceremony in Iran.
Dujarric said the UN secretary-general condemns all attacks on civilians. He also noted that all parties must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
The UN spokesperson warned that the escalation of the conflict has not been limited to the two sides and has affected large parts of the region. According to him, airspace and vital shipping routes remain under serious impact from these tensions.
He added that the secretary-general has again called on the parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions and statements that could further inflame the crisis. Dujarric also said rising tensions could have devastating consequences for civilians, the region and beyond, while humanitarian operations are already under severe pressure and facing funding shortages.
The United Nations has also called on the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately return to the path of dialogue. According to Dujarric, reaching a comprehensive and lasting solution is only possible through negotiation.
The report said that more than 70 people were killed or wounded in an attack on a wedding celebration in Kuhstak, in Sirik district of Iran’s Hormozgan province, most of them women and children. The United Nations is the main body coordinating international efforts on peace and relief, and its secretary-general typically stresses the protection of civilians and respect for international law during regional crises.
