By TIAMIYU AROBANI

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the United States’ use of force against Iran, saying he is alarmed by the action.

Guterres, in a statement on Saturday night shortly after Trump announced U.S. strike on three nuclear sites in Iran, said the action was a dangerous escalation in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump had said on Saturday night that the U.S. military had bombed Fordow, Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear facility as well as two other sites, Natanz and Esfahan.

“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today,” Guterres said.

“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”

The UN chief called on member states to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos.

“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” the UN scribe said. (NAN)