‘Unlawful’: Growing calls for de-escalation as US-Israeli strikes in Iran continue

As the US and Israel’s airstrikes on Iran entered their fourth day, international concern intensified over the escalating conflict, which has resulted in at least 555 deaths in Iran, 10 in Israel, and six US service members. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized halting military operations to prevent further regional spillover. Egypt, Türkiye, and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization also condemned the strikes as violations of international law, stressing diplomacy as the only path to stability. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the attacks as unprovoked acts of aggression against a sovereign UN member state, in discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The conflict has exposed divisions among Western allies. Portugal faced domestic criticism over the use of Lajes Air Base in the Azores for US operations, with opposition parties questioning the legal framework. Spain’s foreign ministry declared its military bases could not be used for attacks on Iran, denouncing the strikes as unjustified and outside international law. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the alliance itself would not be involved, leaving individual member states to act independently. Global calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement continue as tensions in the Middle East remain high.

Credit : CGTN