New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday expressed grave concern over a renewed exchange of fire overnight between the US and Iran, and voiced alarm over reported civilian casualties, including a strike that reportedly hit a wedding ceremony in Iran.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric conveyed during a news conference that the secretary-general is deeply alarmed by the situation. "The secretary-general condemns all attacks against civilians. He recalls that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution," Dujarric stated.

Dujarric further noted the extensive impact of the escalation, mentioning that very few countries in the region remain unaffected, with significant disruptions to airspace and critical shipping routes. The secretary-general reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of military action and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions and rhetoric that could further exacerbate the tensions.

The spokesperson also highlighted the potential for further escalations to have devastating consequences for civilians and the broader region. Dujarric emphasized that humanitarian operations in the area are already overstretched and underfunded, amplifying the urgency for a resolution.

Guterres has urged both the United States and Iran to urgently return to diplomacy, expressing that a comprehensive and durable settlement can only be reached through dialogue and negotiations.