Speaking to reporters after the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to West Asia, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is very concerned about the situation in the region and has once again urged “maximum restraint.”
“[Guterres] remains convinced that all concerns regarding Iran are best addressed through dialogue, through diplomacy and negotiations,” Dujarric said, stressing the UN chief’s long-held position that tensions should be resolved through peaceful means.
He added that the secretary-general welcomes all efforts aimed at regional de-escalation and calls on all actors to “take concrete steps to defuse tensions and strengthen regional confidence building.”
Dujarric also commented on the war in Ukraine, saying those who believe in dialogue and diplomacy will continue their efforts.
He added that it’s important for Guterres to see an end to the war in Ukraine, in line with the full respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, its sovereignty for a sustainable peace in line with international law and all relevant UN resolutions.
