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“He is deeply concerned about attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq. “Such attacks are unacceptable.”
A month ago, Tehran and Washington signed a Memorandum of Understanding following the launch of an intensive bombing campaign by the US and Israel in late February.
Temporary agreement
Iran launched retaliatory attacks that it said targeted US bases and infrastructure in its Gulf neighbors, destabilizing the entire region and bringing commercial maritime traffic in the crucial Strait of Hormuz to a standstill.
Kuwaiti authorities reported on Friday that Iranian attacks had hit power and desalination plants, causing damage to facilities that are currently being assessed.
The interim agreement under the MoU includes a ceasefire and the opening of a waterway that normally carries a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.
Iran’s interpretation of the MoU is that it ultimately allows Tehran to control the strait, and is free to demand fees for safe passage – a view rejected by the US and the international community, which insists there should be freedom of navigation, without fees.
‘No military solution’
Attacks and counterattacks have increased in the past two weeks, including ongoing strikes by the US that reportedly hit bridges and other civilian infrastructure in Iran, damaged targets in the region and closed the Iran Strait following further Iranian attacks on shipping vessels.
The UN Secretary General reiterated his firm belief that “there is no military solution to this conflict and calls for increased diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful and lasting resolution”, said Mr. Dujarric.
He added that the settlement must include the full restoration of international navigation rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
