UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, warning that continued military actions could destabilize the broader Middle East region.

“I remain profoundly alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran,” Guterres said in a statement on Wednesday. “I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire.”

The UN chief emphasized the risk of the conflict expanding to other nations, cautioning that further international involvement could have grave consequences for regional and global peace.

“I strongly appeal to all to avoid any further internationalisation of the conflict,” he said. “Additional military interventions could endanger not just the parties involved, but the entire region.”

Guterres condemned the ongoing attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. He also called for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.

“The UN Charter remains our shared framework to save people from the scourge of war,” he said, urging all member states to uphold international law and humanitarian principles.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued their military operations, launching a third wave of airstrikes in western Iran. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed that Israeli fighter jets targeted surface-to-surface missile sites and facilities connected to Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts.

More than 50 Israeli jets reportedly struck 40 targets around Tehran in the initial overnight wave, including a centrifuge production site and a missile manufacturing facility linked to Hezbollah.

A second and third wave followed within 24 hours, hitting over 20 additional sites.

The rapid escalation has prompted fears of a wider regional war unless diplomatic efforts succeed in halting further violence.