Briefing ambassadors a day after the attack, Assistant-Secretary-General Khaled Khiari stressed the need for restraint.
“We appeal to the Council today, as we do every month, 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.
Respect diplomatic premises
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the attack, his Spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases.
The UN chief reminded all parties to respect all their obligations under international law, and urged all concerned to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure.
Mr. 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.
Subsequent media reports indicate that the death toll has risen to 13 – seven Iranian personnel and six Syrian citizens, he added, before reiterating the Secretary-General’s condemnation.
Uphold territorial integrity
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States must be respected in accordance with international law,” said Mr. Khiari, whose portfolio straddles political and peacebuilding affairs as well as peace operations.
“The rules-based international order is essential for international peace and security, which this Council is mandated to maintain.”
He recalled that the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has kept the Council apprised of the unrelenting violence in the country, which recently marked 13 years of war.
Six foreign armies are operating on Syrian territory impacting the lives of civilians and putting a peaceful resolution of the conflict farther out of reach.
Increase in attacks
“Among them, increasingly lethal attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria have been attributed to Israel, especially since the current conflict with Hamas in Gaza began on 7 October. Open sources have reported at least a dozen such attacks since the beginning of this year,” he said.
“While Israel has rarely claimed responsibility for any of these incidents, its officials have repeatedly acknowledged its military operations in Syria and have suggested that more such operations will occur in the future,” he added, underlining the need for the Council’s continued engagement.
Mr. Khiari concluded by underscoring the Secretary-General’s 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.
Mr. Pedersen, the UN Envoy for Syria, also warned against the dangers of miscalculation in a statement on Tuesday condemning the attack.
“At a time of heightened violence and dangers in the region, instead of escalations, actors should be strictly respecting their obligations under international law. It is vital that all concerned exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation,” he said.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
Is there any update on the current situation in Syria after the attack on the Iranian consulate? How are diplomatic relations being managed to prevent further escalations?
Hey AmyJohnson123, the situation in Syria post the attack on the Iranian consulate is critical. Diplomatic relations are being closely monitored to prevent further escalations. It’s crucial for all parties to engage in dialogue and uphold international law to ensure regional peace and security.
It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation and protect regional peace and security. The inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel must be respected at all times, and attacks that endanger civilians and infrastructure should be avoided. Let’s uphold international law and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved.
It’s crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and uphold international law to prevent further escalation of tensions. The respect for diplomatic premises and the inviolability of personnel is paramount in maintaining regional peace and security.
In my opinion, it’s crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and uphold international laws to prevent further escalation and maintain regional peace and security. The recent attack on Iran’s diplomatic premises underscores the importance of respecting the inviolability of such premises and the safety of personnel. Let’s focus on diplomatic solutions and avoid actions that can harm civilians and infrastructure.
It’s crucial that all parties involved prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation in the region. The respect for diplomatic premises and the protection of civilians should be at the forefront of all actions taken. Let’s strive for stability and uphold the principles of international law.
It’s crucial for all parties involved to uphold international law and ensure the safety of civilians. Let’s hope for immediate de-escalation and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria.
Hey, can someone clarify if the attack in Syria was related to a specific incident or ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel?
Hey Emily_1989, the attack in Syria was reportedly linked to Israel attacking Iran’s diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in casualties. The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel seem to have escalated to this incident. Let’s hope for diplomatic efforts to ease the situation.
Do you think the UN’s approach of calling for restraint will actually help prevent further escalation in the region?
Yes, I believe the UN’s call for restraint is crucial in avoiding further escalation. It is essential for all parties involved to abide by international law and prioritize diplomatic solutions to maintain regional peace and security.
It’s crucial that all parties involved in the conflict demonstrate restraint and adhere to international law to prevent further escalation of tensions. Diplomatic premises and personnel must be respected to maintain regional peace and security.
It’s crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards de-escalation to prevent further tensions and protect regional peace and security. Diplomatic premises and personnel should always be respected, and all obligations under international law must be upheld. The tragic attack underscores the importance of upholding the territorial integrity of Member States. Let’s prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolutions to avoid civilian casualties and infrastructural damage.
It’s crucial for all parties involved to exercise caution and prioritize diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.