UN Chief express deep alarm over renewed escalations in West Asia, urges diplomacy to restore peace, security

Geneva: UN Chief and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed deep concerns over the renewed escalation in West Asia. He called on all concerned parties to immediately stop attacks. Additionally, he urged them to exercise maximum restraint. He also asked them to refrain from any action that could further inflame an already volatile situation.

In a statement by Farhan Haq, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, the UN Chief called on all parties to fully abide by the ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza. Furthermore, he urged them to avoid any steps that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He expressed concern about the decision by Israel to close crossings into Gaza. In addition, he reiterated the need for the immediate reopening of all crossings. This is to ensure the rapid, safe, and unhindered passage of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza.

The UN Chief underscored that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms, in accordance with international law, must be respected. He also called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law. Moreover, he urged them to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians.

Reiterating that there is no military solution to the conflicts in West Asia, he said, “The only way forward is through dialogue and negotiations. He therefore urges all concerned parties to work towards diplomatic solutions that advance regional and international peace and security.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States will achieve “total victory” over Iran within the next fortnight. At the same time, he expressed immense confidence that a fresh nuclear deal is well within reach, according to a CNN report.

This optimistic projection came just as Iran and Israel stepped back from a volatile weekend escalation of retaliatory military strikes.

The US President voiced these claims during a campaign tele-rally, which is a virtual phone event designed to address large groups of supporters remotely. Trump utilised the political platform to generate momentum for Senator Lindsey Graham. Graham is currently facing a competitive challenge in an upcoming Republican primary election.

Maintaining that backroom diplomacy with Tehran was yielding significant results, Trump detailed the willingness of the other side to capitulate to Washington’s key strategic demands.

“We’re negotiating now, and they want to make a very good deal. They’re willing to give us everything, they’re willing to give us no nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Linking the successful resolution of the geopolitical stand-off to domestic economic relief, the US President predicted an imminent breakthrough. He suggested it would reshape global energy markets.

(ANI)

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