Iranian FM, UN Secretary-General Discuss Regional Military Escalation

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 17. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres held talks on the escalating military situation in the region, Trend reports, citing the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

During the phone conversation, Araghchi urged the international community to pay attention to the security situation arising from U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes on Iran, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that the issues in the Strait cannot be considered in isolation, as the disruptions to shipping are a direct result of these attacks.

Guterres shared his position on the security of the Persian Gulf, West Asia, and maritime routes.

Since no concrete agreement was reached in negotiations between the United States and Iran over the nuclear program, the U.S. and Israel began military airstrikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. military facilities located in countries across the region, starting the same day.

On the first day of the air strikes against Iran, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials were killed. On March 8, Iran's Assembly of Experts elected Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

From March 1 through March 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting several countries across the Middle East.

According to information, the U.S. side suffered losses of 8 dead and more than 140 wounded.

The ongoing conflict has significantly threatened the region's energy infrastructure and maritime transport. Oil prices have surged on global markets due to heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, prompting several countries to advise their citizens to leave the region.

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