United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today expressed his "grave alarm at the use of force by the United States against Iran" and warned that "there is no military solution" to replace diplomacy.

"I am deeply alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. It is a dangerous escalation in a region already in danger and a direct threat to international peace and security," he said, quoted by the international press.

Guterres said there is a growing risk that this conflict could quickly spiral out of control with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world.

I call on member states to reduce tension and fulfill their obligations under the UN Charter and other norms of international law.

"At this dangerous time, it is essential to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only way forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace."

The statement was issued at the same time that Donald Trump was justifying the need to attack three Iranian nuclear facilities in a speech to the nation.