OREANDA-NEWS. The Secretary General of the United Nations Organization, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern over the growing tensions in the Middle East after killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

This is said in the official statement of Guterres’ spokesman, Farhan Haq. “The Secretary-General has consistently advocated for de-escalation in the Gulf.  He is deeply concerned with the recent escalation,” he said. “This is a moment in which leaders must exercise maximum restraint. The world cannot afford another war in the Gulf,” Haq added.

Earlier, the US Department of Defense stated that killing of Soleimani was ordered by the President Donald Trump for defensive purposes. In response to it, the Iranian authorities claimed that they consider the incident to be an act of terrorism and promised to take vengeance.