UN Security Council convenes emergency meeting on Iran

The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Iran on Saturday, following massive military attacks on the country launched by the United States and Israel earlier in the day.



In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran's subsequent attacks, which he said violated "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates."



Guterres warned that military action risks igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the world's most volatile regions, stressing that "international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected."



"There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes," the UN chief stated, adding that lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations.



The U.S. and Israeli attacks occurred following the third round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran mediated by Oman, with preparations made for technical talks in Vienna next week followed by a new round of political talks, said the secretary-general. "I deeply regret that this opportunity of diplomacy has been squandered."