UN chief voices concern over latest US-Iran exchanges of fire

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern over renewed overnight exchanges of fire between the United States and Iran, including reports that a strike hit a wedding ceremony in Iran and caused civilian casualties.

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The secretary-general is deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including in a strike that reportedly hit a wedding ceremony in Iran.

His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said Guterres condemned all attacks against civilians. The secretary-general called on the parties to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.

Guterres urged an immediate end to military action and called on all sides to show restraint, warning against actions or rhetoric that could push tensions even higher. Dujarric said few countries in the region were immune from the escalation, with airspace and major shipping routes continuing to face heavy disruption.

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The secretary-general reiterates his call for an immediate cessation of military action, and urges all concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from actions and rhetoric that could further escalate already high tensions.

The fighting has worsened humanitarian pressures across the region, where operations are already overstretched and underfunded. Guterres called on the United States and Iran to return urgently to diplomacy, saying a comprehensive and lasting settlement could be achieved only through dialogue and negotiations.

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Further escalation ... would have devastating consequences for civilians and for the wider region and beyond.