New York: The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the continuing military escalation between the United States and Iran, calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful and lasting resolution to the crisis.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remained "deeply concerned" about the ongoing conflict, particularly attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran and elsewhere in the region.
Haq said the UN chief considered such attacks "unacceptable" and reiterated his longstanding position that there is no military solution to the conflict.
He added that Guterres was urging renewed diplomatic engagement to end the fighting and stressed that any settlement should include the full restoration of international navigation rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the UN, the latest escalation follows six days of renewed US military strikes on Iranian military and infrastructure targets, while Iran has launched attacks against several countries in the region.
The UN has repeatedly appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent a wider regional conflict.
