UN 'very concerned' over rising 'military-like rhetoric' on situation in Iran

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Tuesday expressed serious concern over increasing tensions between the US and Iran, warning that heightened "military-like rhetoric" could worsen the situation.

Asked about the US President Donald Trump's recent comments advising Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations and promising that "help is on the way," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference that the UN was, "of course, very concerned about the increase of military-like rhetoric that we're seeing around the Iranian situation."

"It is imperative that all member states push for diplomacy, as opposed to military rhetoric," he added.

Dujarric said the UN currently had no plans to evacuate its personnel from Iran, adding in a later written response to that it employed 46 international staff and 448 local nationals working in Iran.

Iran has been rocked by widespread protests in recent weeks amid a deteriorating economy and the rapid depreciation of the Iranian rial.

There have also been incidents of violence, with reports of several deaths, including those of protesters and police officers in different cities.

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Tuesday expressed serious concern over increasing tensions between the US and Iran, warning that heightened "military-like rhetoric" could worsen the situation.

"It is imperative that all member states push for diplomacy, as opposed to military rhetoric," he added.

Dujarric said the UN currently had no plans to evacuate its personnel from Iran, adding in a later written response to that it employed 46 international staff and 448 local nationals working in Iran.

Iran has been rocked by widespread protests in recent weeks amid a deteriorating economy and the rapid depreciation of the Iranian rial.

There have also been incidents of violence, with reports of several deaths, including those of protesters and police officers in different cities.