UN chief urges maximum restraint as US-Iran hostilities resume

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for maximum restraint following a resumption of hostilities between the United States and Iran over the weekend. The appeal was conveyed on Monday by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, who described the renewed exchange of fire as "very regrettable."

Dujarric noted that the region had witnessed roughly a month of relative calm before the latest escalation. He reiterated the Secretary-General's call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and encouraged a swift return to diplomatic engagement. "He encourages a return to diplomatic activity, to diplomatic talks that would lead to a settlement, to help restore stability and confidence in the region," Dujarric said.

The renewed tensions follow a US strike on Sunday against two Iranian launchers located on Larak Island. This marked the first known US military action against Iran since late July. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement claiming that multiple military personnel and civilians were killed or wounded in what it described as a "US-Israeli" attack, vowing that the aggression would be met with punishment.

On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Iran does not seek war, it would respond with strength and decisiveness to any aggression. The IRGC also claimed responsibility for attacks on US military targets in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, and reported shooting down a US drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has vowed retaliation against Iran following the firing of ballistic missiles at US forces in Jordan. The situation remains fluid, with international calls for de-escalation growing louder.