Senior UN Official Urges Security Council to Prevent Escalation in the Middle East
NEW YORK — In a powerful plea to the Security Council, a senior UN official on Tuesday called for immediate action to prevent further escalation in the Middle East following a deadly airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.
Appeal for Restraint
Briefing ambassadors just a day after the attack, Assistant-Secretary-General Khaled Khiari emphasized the importance of exercising restraint in the region.
“We appeal to the Council today, as we do every month, to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security,” he stated.
UN Condemns Attack
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the attack, reaffirming the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel in all circumstances, as reported by his spokesperson on Tuesday.
Khiari highlighted that Iran had sent letters to the Secretary-General and the Security Council, accusing Israel of attacking its diplomatic premises in Damascus. The attack reportedly resulted in the death of at least 13 individuals, including military advisors and civilians.
Call for Respect of International Law
Emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States in accordance with international law, Khiari stressed the importance of maintaining the rules-based international order for global peace and security.
Warning Against Escalation
Khiari and UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, cautioned against the dangers of escalation and miscalculation, especially in a region already plagued by violence and conflict. Pedersen urged all parties to strictly adhere to their obligations under international law and exercise utmost restraint.
As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the international community faces a critical moment in preventing further escalation and protecting civilian lives in conflict-affected areas. The Security Council’s engagement and commitment to peace and security in the region remain paramount.
