LOC20:15
17:15 GMT
NEW YORK, June 20 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities mark a dangerous new escalation in the Middle East.
Addressing an emergency session by the UN Security Council, he called for the Council members to act with "unity and urgency" to support a diplomatic end to the Iran-Israel conflict before it spins out of control.
The Secretary-General linked the crisis to the "unfolding horrors in Gaza" saying "let's not look back on this decisive moment with regret."
"The confrontation between Israel and Iran is escalating rapidly with a terrible toll - killing and injuring civilians, devastating homes, neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure, and attacking nuclear facilities.
"The world is watching with growing alarm. We are not drifting toward crisis - we are racing toward it.
"We are not witnessing isolated incidents -- we are on course to potential chaos.
"The expansion of this conflict could ignite a fire that no one can control. We must not let that happen," he cautioned.
"The only way to bridge that gap is through diplomacy to establish a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution - including full access to inspectors of the IAEA, as the United Nations technical agency in this field.
"For all of that to be possible, I appeal for an end to the fighting and the return to serious negotiations.
"At this defining moment, I urge this Council to act with unity and urgency for dialogue.
On her part, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the loss of civilian life saying any expansion "could have enormous consequences for the region and for international peace and security at large."
Head of the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) Rafael Grossi warned Israeli attacks on nuclear sites had caused a "sharp degradation" in nuclear safety and security.
He added that the IAEA would remain in Iran and resume inspections as soon as conditions allow, calling for Tehran to resume dialogue with the agency. (end)
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