UN chief calls for immediate de-escalation as Israel-Iran conflict intensifies
New York: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged an immediate de-escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, calling for a ceasefire amid growing fears of regional instability.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating military conflict. “I remain profoundly alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire,” he said.
Quoting the Xinhua news agency, the statement highlighted concerns about the potential for the conflict to expand beyond the two nations. “I strongly appeal to all to avoid any further internationalisation of the conflict. Any additional military interventions could have enormous consequences, not only for those involved but for the whole region and for international peace and security at large,” Guterres warned.
He condemned the recent airstrikes for causing civilian casualties and damaging critical infrastructure. The Secretary-General stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable solution to address concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear programme and broader regional security issues.
“The UN Charter remains our shared framework to save people from the scourge of war. I urge all member states to comply fully with the Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has intensified its operations. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed that Israeli jets carried out further airstrikes in western Iran on Wednesday evening, targeting missile launch and storage facilities.
According to Defrin, the latest wave of strikes aimed at operatives attempting to retrieve munitions from previously bombed locations, marking the third major Israeli assault within 24 hours. Earlier overnight attacks involved over 50 fighter jets striking nearly 40 sites near Tehran, including a centrifuge production facility used for uranium enrichment and an anti-tank missile production site linked to Hezbollah.
A second wave of airstrikes on Wednesday afternoon targeted over 20 additional locations in and around the Iranian capital.
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Congress’ downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t let Sunetra Pawar win unopposed: Bawankule
Nagpur (PTI): The Congress will have to face consequences if it doesn't allow NCP president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to win the Baramati assembly bypoll unopposed, said minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday.
The party’s “downfall” will start from Baramati, he said, stressing that the people of Baramati and Maharashtra wish that she is elected unopposed, said the BJP leader.
The April 23 bye election was necessitated after the tragic death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who headed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. After his death, his wife Sunetra became the party president.
The NCP, BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are partners in the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state.
“The Congress will face consequences if it doesn’t let Sunetra win unopposed from Baramati. Its downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t withdraw its candidate,” Bawankule told reporters in Nagpur.
Amid efforts to ensure an unopposed contest, the Congress has fielded advocate Akash More for the bypoll.
The party had said that it would withdraw from the contest only if an FIR were registered in Ajit Pawar’s death in the Baramati plane crash.
Replying to another question, Bawankule said the BJP’s performance will be more robust in Assam and Kerala elections compared to the last assembly polls in these states. Assembly polls are being held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on Thursday.
“These elections will once again show Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership commanding support among the people,” he said.
