UN chief warns of "rat hole of retaliation" after U.S. strikes on Iran
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday warned of "a rat hole of retaliation" in the wake of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling, Guterres told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
To avoid further escalation, diplomacy must prevail, civilians must be protected, and safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed, Guterres said. Guterres called for a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution to restore trust, including inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog.
He stressed that the Non-Proliferation Treaty is a cornerstone of international peace and security, adding that Iran must fully respect it. He also urged the Security Council and all UN member states to act with reason, restraint and urgency for peace.
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