UN Chief calls for urgent de-escalation in West Asia

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres made an impassioned plea for peace during an emergency special session of the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York, urging immediate action to de-escalate the crisis in Iran following the US military strikes on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities. Calling for urgent efforts to prevent dangers of retaliation and deeper conflict in the region, Guterres said, we cannot – and must not – give up on peace. Addressing the session under the agenda item threats to international peace and security on Sunday, he warned that the US’s attack on Iran was a “perilous turn” to the deteriorating situation in the region. He condemned the military escalation, emphasising the dire consequences of a potential cycle of retaliation, and stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure safe maritime navigation. The UN chief called for a return to diplomacy, advocating for a “credible, comprehensive, and verifiable solution” to the Iran nuclear program, including full access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. 
The Security Council emergency meeting was called by Russia, China and Pakistan to propose a resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Iran’s representative to the Council, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran reserves the right to defend itself against blatant US aggression. He said that the timing, nature and scale of Iran’s proportionate response will be decided by its armed forces.Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, said the US attacks have made the world a safer place, rejecting calls for condemnation. China’s ambassador Fu Cong condemned the US strikes and urged restraint. Russia’s ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said the United States has opened a Pandora’s box and that Washington is not interested in diplomacy. 
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, said Iran should not escalate, and any attack, direct or indirect, against Americans or American bases will be met with devastating retaliation.
Russia, China and Pakistan proposed the 15-member body adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.The three countries circulated the draft text, said diplomats, and asked members to share their comments by Monday evening. A resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China to pass.The US is likely to oppose the draft resolution, seen by Reuters, which also condemns attacks on Iran's nuclear sites and facilities. The text does not name the United States or Israel.