Guterres expresses concern for civilian casualties following recent exchange of attacks between US and Iran

The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, expressed concern this Wednesday about civilian victims after the recent exchange of attacks between Washington and Tehran, which left at least four dead during the celebration of a wedding in the town of Sirik, in southern Iran.

“He is deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including an attack that reportedly affected a wedding ceremony in Iran. The Secretary General condemns all attacks against civilians,” his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, said at a press conference.

Guterres has called on the parties to “respect their obligations under Humanitarian Law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.” “Further escalation would have devastating consequences for the civilian population, the region as a whole and beyond,” he added.

“It reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of military actions and urges the parties concerned to exercise restraint and to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could further aggravate already high tensions,” he said.

The Secretary General also recalled that “few countries in the region are immune to this escalation” and that “both airspace and maritime routes” continue to be “seriously affected” by the cross attacks between the United States and Iran.

On the other hand, he highlighted that the escalation in the Middle East occurs in a context in which the region “already faces numerous humanitarian crises”, which raises the “risk” of an even greater deterioration in humanitarian operations, which “are saturated” and “lack sufficient funds” to reach those most in need.

“Despite the challenges, we and our humanitarian partners continue to respond with life-saving assistance where and when we can. The Secretary General urges the United States and Iran to urgently return to diplomatic channels. Only through dialogue and negotiation can a comprehensive and lasting agreement be reached,” the UN spokesperson concluded.