United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has raised the alarm over escalating tensions in the Middle East following the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Speaking at an emergency Security Council meeting on Sunday, Guterres described the development as “a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.” He warned that the world stands on the edge of a dangerous cycle of “retaliation after retaliation,” urging all sides to step back from the brink.

“We cannot – and must not – give up on peace,” the UN chief emphasized, calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further destabilization.

The remarks come as global concern mounts over the potential fallout from the strikes, which have already triggered sharp responses from Iranian leaders and further violence across the region.

— Gist Reports