UN chief condemns Israel's attack on Iran consulate in Damascus

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns Monday's attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus, Syria, said his spokesman on Tuesday.

"The secretary-general reaffirms that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

Guterres also reminds all parties of the need to respect all their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. He also repeats his calls on all concerned to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure, said the spokesman.

"The secretary-general further calls on all concerned to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation," said Dujarric. "He cautions that any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, and the broader Middle East."

Israel on Monday launched a missile attack on the consulate building of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, killing at least seven officers.