UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said he remains “profoundly alarmed” by the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran, as the sides continued to trade airstrikes.

“I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire,” Guterres said in a statement on X in which he appealed against any further “internationalisation” of the conflict. 

“Any additional military interventions could have enormous consequences, not only for those involved but for the whole region and for international peace and security at large,” he warned.

He condemned “the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives and injuries to civilians and damage to homes and critical civilian infrastructure”.