New York: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres told an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Sunday that massive overnight strikes by the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities only increase the risk of a wider war and serious damage to the international order. After ten days of airstrikes initiated by Israel aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear programme, which have led to deadly daily exchanges of missile fire between Tehran and Tel Aviv, the UN chief said that diplomacy must now prevail.
According to United Nations, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the risk of descending into a cycle of retaliation following the US intervention in support of Israel's military campaign, which targeted three uranium enrichment facilities. He stressed the importance of returning to serious negotiations as essential for de-escalation.
The head of the UN's atomic energy watchdog, the IAEA, warned ambassadors that the recent military strikes by Israel and the US on nuclear sites in Iran have compromised safety and could pose serious risks if the situation worsens. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi reported significant damage to Iran's main enrichment facility at Natanz and highlighted concerns over potential chemical contamination.
Mr. Grossi also mentioned the damage to other nuclear-related sites, such as Esfahan, Arak, and Tehran, and warned of the risk of a massive radiation release if Bushehr is struck. He called for restraint and offered IAEA assistance to monitor and protect the damaged nuclear sites.
Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca informed ambassadors about the dangerous moment the world faces following the US bombing mission, as Iran considers potential retaliation. He noted the extensive damage at Iranian sites and urged Tehran to allow IAEA inspectors access as soon as conditions permit.
Mr. Jenca highlighted the humanitarian toll of the ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel, with 430 Iranian casualties, mostly civilians, and 25 Israeli deaths. He warned of the growing threats from non-State armed groups and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He urged countries to act in accordance with international law and the UN Charter in response to the conflict.