UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a meeting with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing Tehran's crucial role in achieving de-escalation in the Middle East. This was stated in an announcement released on September 23 by the office of the UN chief.
“The Secretary-General met with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian. They discussed issues of mutual concern, including the situation in the Middle East, particularly the war in Gaza, as well as developments in Lebanon and Yemen. The Secretary-General underscored the urgent need for regional de-escalation and Iran's important role in achieving this goal,” the statement read.
Tensions in the Middle East sharply escalated following the October 7, 2023, infiltration of Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. Hamas described this assault as retaliation for Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In response, Israel announced a total blockade of Gaza, launched airstrikes on the enclave, and targeted areas in Lebanon and Syria. Subsequently, Israel initiated a ground operation in Gaza.
Meanwhile, tensions have continued to rise along the Lebanese-Israeli border, where cross-border attacks began on October 8, 2023. In response, the Israeli military has been striking Hezbollah positions. According to the Israeli army's press service, their targets are Hezbollah facilities. So far, 80,000 people have been evacuated from northern Israeli border areas.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials