Security Council Discusses Attack on Iranian Consulate in Damascus

New York, A senior UN official urged the Security Council to work to avert further escalation in the Middle East following the deadly airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syrias capital, Damascus. Briefing ambassadors a day after the attack, Assistant-Secretary-General Khaled Khiari stressed the need for restraint. "We appeal to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security," he said. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States must be respected in accordance with international law," said Khiari said. Khiari said Iran sent identical letters to the Secretary-General and the Security Council on Monday stating that Israel had attacked its diplomatic premises in Damascus, killing at least five personnel, including senior military advisors, and injuring others. "While Israel has rarely claimed responsibility for any of these incidents, its officials have repeatedly acknowle dged its military operations in Syria and have suggested that more such operations will occur in the future," he added, underlining the need for the Councils continued engagement. Khiari concluded by underscoring the Secretary-Generals appeal for restraint. "Any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East," he said. Source: Qatar News Agency