HAMILTON, Canada

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the latest military escalation in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.

"I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security," Guterres said in a statement.

Calling on all UN member states to "respect their obligations under international law" including the UN Charter, Guterres reminded that the Charter "clearly prohibits 'the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.'"

"I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation," he said, warning that "failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability."

"I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table," he added.

Guterres further said that "there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes."