New York, Sept. 3 (SANA) UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate halt to renewed military strikes between the United States and Iran, warning that further escalation could have serious consequences for civilians and the wider Middle East.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Wednesday that Guterres was deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties, including claims that a wedding celebration in Iran had been hit, according to UN News.
Guterres condemned attacks targeting civilians and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, Dujarric said.
The UN chief urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions or statements that could further escalate tensions.
Dujarric said the continuing escalation in the Middle East was taking a heavy toll on civilians and adding to humanitarian needs across a region already facing multiple crises and severe funding shortages.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier denied targeting civilians after Iranian media reported that at least four people were killed in a U.S. strike that they said hit a wedding celebration in Sirik, southern Iran.
The renewed hostilities come amid growing international concern that a broader U.S.-Iran confrontation could further destabilize the region, disrupt maritime and air traffic and deepen humanitarian pressures.
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