As the United Nations Security Council prepared for an emergency session on Saturday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned what he called the "military escalation in the Middle East".

He said the US-Israel use of force against Iran and Tehran's retaliation across the region "undermine international peace and security".

France's President Emmanuel Macron, who said the US-Israel attack on Iran has "grave consequences for international peace and security", called for the urgent meeting of the Council on Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote to the Council asking for its intervention, saying the US and Israel had violated international law.

Two officials of UN agencies also expressed their concern over the developments in the Middle East.

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Turk said, "I deplore the military strikes across Iran this morning by Israel and the United States of America, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran."

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "I am deeply troubled by the situation unfolding today across the Middle East. My heart goes out to the civilians trapped in the crossfire."

Both of them joined UN Chief Guterres in calling for an immediate end to the conflict.

Guterres said, "I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. 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."

The US-Israel attack followed negotiations between the US and Iran with Oman as the mediator that apparently did not make headway.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he was not happy with the talks.

"I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have," he said about a sticking point -- the demand that Iran completely stop enriching uranium.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who was in interlocutor in the negotiations, and had said on Friday that there was progress, deplored the attack on Saturday.

He said on X, "Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined."

"I urge the United States not to get sucked in further," he added.

Trump explicitly came out for a regime change in Iran after his military, joined by Israel, pummeled targets across Iran, aiming to decapitate the country's politico-religious and military leaderships.

Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and on targets in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as well as on US forces at sea in the region.

Aragachi in his letter to the UN Security Council warned, "All bases, facilities and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives within the framework of Iran's lawful exercise of self-defence."

Guterres in his statement said, "All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations."

"The Charter," he said, "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'."

(Input From IANS)

India on Saturday said that it remains deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"Our Missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned.

Earlier in the day, the Embassy of India in Tehran advised all Indian nationals in Iran to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible in view of the developing situation.

"Indians may also continue to monitor the news, maintain situational awareness and await any further guidance from the Embassy of India," it stated while giving the emergency contact details of the Embassy.

As tensions in the region escalated, the Embassy of India in Doha issued an "important advisory", asking all Indian nationals in Qatar to take due care and follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities.

"In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in Qatar are advised to take due care, follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities. Our Embassy is continuing to function as usual," the advisory read.

"Everyone is requested to follow the emergency alert sent by local authorities that in the interest of public safety, everyone is urged to stay away from the vicinity of military sites and stay inside buildings, whether in homes or elsewhere, and not to go out or move except for the utmost necessity to avoid exposure to any risks," it added.

The Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also issued an urgent advisory in view of the current regional situation, asking all Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.

"The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally and will issue updates as necessary," it said, asking the Indian nationals in UAE to contact toll free and WhatsApp numbers in case of any emergency.

US President Donald Trump said early Saturday that the US forces are carrying out a "massive and ongoing" attack on Iran to "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

"The United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation ...," he said in a video message on his social media platform Truth Social. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

(Input from IANS)

New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS) Claiming that hundreds of innocent Iranian citizens have been killed during the large-scale attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali confirmed that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian have not suffered any harm and remain in good health.

In an interview with IANS, Ambassador Fathali also stated that the Iranian authorities have issued the necessary safety advisories and guidelines for the safety of all foreign nationals, including Indian students and professionals, who are stuck in the conflict zone.

Excerpts:

IANS: US President Donald Trump confirmed the launch of "large-scale combat operations" on Saturday, does Iran view this as the beginning of an all-out war, or will it pursue a strategy of limited retaliation?

Mohammad Fathali: What has occurred today constitutes an act of aggression and a clear violation of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In today’s criminal attacks, hundreds of innocent Iranian citizens have been martyred. In one instance alone, more than 50 school girls lost their lives in a girls’ school in the city of Minab. Iran has neither initiated nor sought war. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasised that it does not seek to expand the conflict in the region. At the same time, however, it will respond firmly and decisively to any act of aggression. In accordance with its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran will take appropriate action. The nature and level of Iran’s response will be proportionate to the conduct of the opposing party. Should aggression continue, the response will likewise be proportionate and decisive. Responsibility for any further escalation rests entirely with those who initiated it.

IANS: Reports indicate that the office of the Supreme Leader and the Presidential complex in Tehran were targetted. Can you confirm that the country’s leadership is safe?

Mohammad Fathali: According to official statements from the security authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the President are in full health and have not sustained any harm. Nevertheless, it must be emphasised that Ayatollah Khamenei is not merely a political leader. He is a religious authority for Shiites around the world and an inspirational figure for millions of freedom-seeking individuals globally. His standing is rooted in deep religious convictions and a profound bond with the people, and it cannot be diminished by military actions or threats. Any attack or harm directed against him would carry extremely grave, far-reaching, and painful consequences for the aggressor regimes of the United States and Israel. Direct responsibility for any such reckless act would lie with them, and the consequences would be neither predictable nor controllable.

IANS: Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes against Israel. Is Tehran also engaging in backchannel diplomacy to prevent further escalation?

Mohammad Fathali: The reality is that in recent months the Islamic Republic of Iran had been engaged in dialogue and negotiations with the United States government. We demonstrated our belief in diplomacy and our readiness to resolve differences through political means. However, it was the United States that showed a lack of commitment to dialogue and diplomatic obligations and chose the path of confrontation and military action. At present, no backchannel diplomacy is underway. When the other side chooses the language of war, the response will be delivered in the same arena. Iran will deliver a crushing response to the Israeli regime — one that will be severe and painful and will alter the security equations of the region. This response will be carried out within the framework of legitimate self-defense and with the aim of restoring deterrence.

IANS: What specific measures has Iran taken to ensure the safety of Indian students and professionals currently residing in the country?

Mohammad Fathali: As of this moment, there have been no official reports of harm to Indian students or citizens residing in Iran. We sincerely hope that all of them remain safe and unharmed. The relevant Iranian authorities have issued the necessary safety advisories and guidelines, and all foreign nationals — including Indian students and professionals — are expected to adhere strictly to these instructions. Should evacuation or departure become necessary, the Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to cooperate and coordinate fully with the Government of India to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

IANS: Several reports indicate explosions in Persian Gulf countries, does Iran intend to draw third countries into this conflict?

Mohammad Fathali: No. The Islamic Republic of Iran has not carried out any attacks against regional countries. We have repeatedly stated that our target is not the countries of the region. Our warning has been clear: if the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran is attacked by the United States, all US military bases in the region will be considered legitimate targets within the framework of the right to self-defence. Regional countries must not allow their territory or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran. This is not only a security necessity but also a responsibility toward regional stability. Under international law and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to self-defence and will exercise that right as necessary. Our objective is not to expand the war, but to prevent further aggression and restore deterrence. Responsibility for any escalation lies with those who initiated this act of aggression.

(Input from IANS)