Condemning any military escalation in the Middle East, the UN chief said in a statement issued by his spokesperson’s office that such actions should be censured, expressing concern over Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.
“He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Iranian missiles hit sites across Israel, killing at least four people and injuring dozens in retaliation for ongoing Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran said Israel has killed at least 78 people, including women and children, and wounded more than 320 others, as the Israeli military continues to launch strikes on cities, military sites and nuclear facilities.
The Secretary-General recalled the obligation of UN Member States to act “in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.”
He also urged both sides to “show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict — a situation that the region can hardly afford.”
The Israeli military attacks targeted Iran’s nuclear programme at various sites across the country late on Thursday, which the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, described as “deeply concerning.”
Attacking nuclear facilities can cause several consequences of unpredictable scope, including radioactive leaks, explosions and long-term contamination.
The Israeli army said it had damaged the Natanz uranium enrichment site’s underground structures, including a multistorey enrichment hall with centrifuges, electrical rooms and additional supporting infrastructure.
“I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment. Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security,” Rafael Grossi said.
