The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has reiterated UN’s commitment to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution over the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Guterres who made this known during a meeting with Security Council on threat to international peace in Middle East said despite his direct appeal to give peace a chance, United States went ahead to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities.
According to him, “That call was not heeded. Instead, the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling”.
He said, “From the outset of the crisis, I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East. The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction.
“And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation. To avoid it, diplomacy must prevail. Civilians must be protected. Safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed.
Guterres called on the Council to act – immediately and decisively, to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear programme. 
“We need a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution – one that restores trust – including with full access to inspectors of the IAEA, as the United Nations technical authority in this field.
“The Non-Proliferation Treaty is a cornerstone of international peace and security. Iran must fully respect it.
“And all Member States must act in accordance with their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law, including international humanitarian law.
“The United Nations stands ready to support any and all efforts toward a peaceful resolution. But peace cannot be imposed, it must be chosen”, he added.
The UN Chief said the World face a stark choice. “One path leads to wider war, deeper human suffering, and serious damage to the international order. The other leads to de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue.
He added that the world know which path is right while urged the Security Council and Member States to act with reason, restraint, and urgency. “We cannot, and must not, give up on peace”.
The US military dropped six “bunker buster” bombs on Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment plant Saturday night and hit two other key sites.
According to report, US President, Donald Trump declared the facility hidden nearly 300 feet beneath a mountain is “completely and totally obliterated.”
Trump announced the historic airstrikes days after Israel initiated extensive attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military.
He said, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
All planes are now outside of Iran air space,” Trump posted on Truth Social just before 8 p.m. Saturday — marking the first-ever US strike on Iranian territory.
