Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Jun 9: United Nations secretary-general António Guterres has voiced deep concern over the latest escalation of tensions in West Asia, urging all parties to halt hostilities immediately, exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilise the region.

In a statement issued through deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, Guterres called on all sides to fully respect existing ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon, Iran and Gaza while supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a broader regional conflict.

The UN chief also expressed concern over Israel’s decision to close crossings into Gaza, reiterating his appeal for the immediate reopening of all access points to facilitate the rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians across the territory.

Guterres stressed the importance of safeguarding civilian lives and adhering to international law, including the protection of navigational rights and freedoms. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to fulfil their legal obligations and take every possible precaution to minimise harm to non-combatants.

Emphasising that military action cannot provide a lasting solution to the region’s crises, the Secretary-General said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward sustainable peace and security in the Middle East.

The appeal comes amid renewed tensions between Iran and Israel following a fresh exchange of military strikes on Monday.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, several targets within a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, Iran, were struck during military operations. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had targeted two strategic Israeli air bases, identified as Nevatim and Tel Nof, claiming the strikes were carried out in retaliation for earlier Israeli attacks on Iranian radar installations.

The IRGC stated that its operational units remain prepared for further action if necessary, while reports from Iranian media indicated that explosions were heard in Tehran as well as parts of Isfahan and East Azerbaijan provinces.

Later in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli military operations against Iran had been temporarily suspended, stating that hostilities were currently on hold after Iran ceased its attacks. However, he warned that Israel would respond forcefully to any future aggression.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that Iranian military operations against Israel had also ceased, while cautioning that any renewed Israeli action, including operations in southern Lebanon, would provoke a stronger response.

The latest developments have heightened international concerns about the risk of a wider regional confrontation, prompting renewed calls from the United Nations and world powers for restraint, dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.