RIYADH: In a powerful statement, Saudi Arabia voiced "great concern" over recent US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, unequivocally condemning the violation of Iran's sovereignty. The Kingdom is urgently calling for restraint and de-escalation from all parties involved.

Saudi Arabia emphasized the critical need for the international community to intensify efforts towards a political resolution to the current crisis, highlighting the highly sensitive nature of the situation.

Echoing this sentiment, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, and Oman also expressed deep concern, collectively appealing for an immediate halt to the escalation to avert severe repercussions and further regional instability.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly denounced the US strikes as a "dangerous escalation" and a direct threat to global peace, stressing that a military solution is not viable and diplomacy remains the only path forward.

International responses were diverse. While Israel and some US Congressional Republicans lauded the strikes as essential for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, countries like Turkiye, India, Pakistan, Russia, the UK, France, the European Union, New Zealand, Italy, China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia all urged de-escalation, dialogue, and a swift return to negotiations.

The international community's unified call for restraint underscores the profound apprehension regarding the potential for wider conflict in an already volatile region.

What specific diplomatic steps do you believe could be most effective in de-escalating the current tensions between the US and Iran?

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2605350/saudi-arabia