UN Chief Calls for De-escalation Amid Middle East Conflict and Beirut Strikes

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East poses a serious threat to international peace and security, urging all parties to pursue de-escalation and dialogue. His statement followed Israeli strikes on central Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, which caused damage near government buildings. Additionally, Iran's UN ambassador accused Israel of assassinating four Iranian diplomats in Beirut, calling it a violation of international law. Guterres emphasized diplomacy as the only viable solution to end hostilities and protect civilians.