UN Secretary General Warns The Deadly Cycle In The Middle East Must Be Stopped

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. (Source: UN/Eskinder Debebe)

JAKARTA - United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel, telling the Security Council that "the cycle of killing violence must stop.

"Time is running out," he told the council.

The 15-member council met after Israel killed Lebanese Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah, starting a ground attack on Iran-backed militant groups.

Later, Iran attacked Israel in an attack that raised fears of a broader war in the Middle East.

About 181 missiles were launched by Iran, with the Mehr news agency saying the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) used the Fattah 2 hypersonic missile for the first time.

Iran's news agency IRNA quoted the IRGC as reporting that the elite forces claimed 90 percent of the missiles launched reached the target.

"I once again strongly condemn the massive missile attacks carried out by Iran on Israel," Secretary General Guterres told the council.

Earlier, Israel's Foreign Minister on Wednesday said he had banned Secretary General Guterres from entering the country because "not firmly" condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel.

Separately, in a letter to the Security Council on Tuesday, Iran confirmed its attack on Israel in self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, citing "aggressive acts" by Israel including violations of Iran's sovereignty.

"Iran has fully complied with the principle of distinction under international humanitarian law, only targeting military and regime security installations with its missile defense attacks," Iran wrote to the council.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon on Wednesday rejected Iran's self-defense claims.

"It was a taken into account attack against civilians," he told reporters.

"Israel will not remain silent in the face of such aggression. Israel will respond. Our response will be decisive, and yes, it will be painful, but unlike Iran, we will act in accordance with international law," he added.