UN Chief Urges Restraint as Israel-Iran Tensions Escalates

 By: Manoah kikekon 

Antonio Guterres 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Israel’s overnight strikes on Iran, urging all parties to exercise "maximum restraint" to avoid further escalation. The warning comes amid fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East.  

In a statement delivered by deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, Guterres emphasized that any military escalation in the region must be denounced. "He is particularly alarmed by Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, especially as Iran and the U.S. engage in critical talks over Tehran’s nuclear program," Haq stated.  

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Friday that Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site was "impacted" in the strikes, though radiation levels remained unaffected. Iranian officials confirmed that other key nuclear sites—Esfahan and Fordow—were unharmed.  

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi expressed grave concern, stating, "Nuclear facilities must never be attacked. Such actions endanger lives, the environment, and global security." He stressed that attacks on nuclear installations violate international safeguards and could destabilize the region.  

The strikes, reportedly targeting Iran’s nuclear program, killed Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami and several nuclear scientists, according to Iranian media. The attack comes just days before the U.S. was set to resume negotiations with Iran in Oman.  

Meanwhile, Israel closed schools nationwide Friday amid fears of retaliatory drone strikes. Early reports suggest Iran launched nearly 100 drones toward Israel, heightening fears of an all-out conflict.  

(NAN)