New York, June 14 (Petra) -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the Israeli strikes on Beirut on Sunday, stating that the attacks occurred despite the existing ceasefire.

In a statement, Guterres said the strikes took place "at a time when the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran are expected to reach an agreement that could pave the way for a peaceful resolution of this conflict." He stressed that the conflict is having a devastating impact on the global economy and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint at this critical moment.

Guterres also expressed hope that the ongoing efforts between the United States and Iran would succeed in achieving a peaceful outcome.

//Petra// AF