There is a “real danger of large-scale conflict” in the Middle East

The United Nations Security Council meets this Sunday after Israel asked the body to condemn Iran’s attack on the country.

“The Middle East is on the brink. The people in the region are facing a real danger of a devastating major conflict,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the start of the meeting.

Under these circumstances, “it is time for appeasement and de-escalation, now is the time for maximum moderation,” he said.

The secretary general cited statements from Israeli and Iranian officials about the attack, then emphasized that international law prohibits “retaliatory measures involving the use of force.” He also recalled that he personally condemned the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.

Guterres called on the parties to the conflict to “avoid any new actions that could lead to a major military confrontation on multiple fronts in the region” and reminded meeting participants of their “shared responsibility to actively engage all parties to avoid further escalation.” impede”.

For his part, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, Robert Wood, stated that “the Security Council has a duty not to leave Iran’s actions unanswered,” and accused Tehran of violating the ONU charter.

“In the coming days and in consultation with other member countries, the United States will consider additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations,” the US diplomat said.

According to Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Tehran’s attack on Israeli territory launched on Saturday evening was a legitimate response based on Article 51 of the UN Charter.

In addition, the Islamic Republic assures that it has completed its operation and warns that it will respond more forcefully to any attempt at retaliation by the Jewish country. Of the more than 300 drones and missiles of various types launched by Tehran, Tel Aviv says it has intercepted the vast majority of targets, about 99%.

Israeli aircraft destroyed the Iranian consulate in Damascus in a rocket attack on April 1, killing 16 people, including two senior commanders and five Iranian soldiers.