UN calls for immediate de-escalation and ceasefire

As the conflict between Israel and Iran continued to escalate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appealed against further internationalization of the clashes and called for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire. He emphasized that diplomacy is the best and only way to address concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and regional security issues.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on the Iran-Israel conflict on the morning of June 20.

France, Germany, UK, EU tell Israel, Iran to de-escalate

The European Union’s foreign affairs chief and the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom released a statement on Wednesday after a phone conversation with Iran’s foreign minister. The statement called for restraint and the de-escalation of the situation. They urged all sides to return to the diplomatic track.

Macron urges Israel to end strikes on targets not related to nuclear, ballistic programs

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday urged Israel to end strikes "increasingly targeting targets unrelated to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program,” the French Presidency said in a statement. Macron stressed that a lasting solution must be achieved through negotiations, and said he is pushing, along with European partners, a proposal for a negotiated solution.

Putin offers to help mediate

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered on Wednesday to help mediate an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that could allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful atomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns.