United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned against the onset of another cycle of destruction and retaliation in the Middle East, following recent strikes by the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, he emphasized that the people of the region cannot endure further cycles of violence.

The Secretary-General expressed concern over the potential escalation of hostilities, calling for a return to dialogue and diplomacy as a means to prevent violence and destruction from reaching 'unthinkable levels.'The International Atomic Energy Agency's Director, Rafael Grossi, echoed these sentiments, urging restraint in light of the conflict's potential expansion.

He noted that while there is a window of opportunity for peace, the global non-proliferation regime is at risk of collapsing if not addressed promptly.Grossi also detailed visible signs of destruction at Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, indicating the use of ground-penetrating munitions by the United States.

Notably, he highlighted that no assessment has been made on the extent of damage beneath the surface of the underground facility.

Grossi stressed that attacks on nuclear facilities are unjustifiable and may lead to radioactive releases with severe consequences for both Iran and neighboring countries.