UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has expressed deep concern over recent U.S. and Iranian strikes in the Gulf region. He has also called on both countries to immediately return to negotiations.
Speaking at a meeting of the Human Rights Council, Turk said, “I am concerned by the resumption of strikes.” He said reports of civilian casualties in the strikes have deeply troubled him in particular.
A recent strike on a wedding ceremony in the Kuhestak area of Iran’s southern Hormozgan province killed at least four people and injured dozens. Iranian authorities and various human rights sources have claimed the strike was carried out by the United States. A Reuters analysis, based on evidence found at the scene, has also raised the possibility of an American weapon being responsible.
Turk said the geopolitical and economic effects of this entirely avoidable crisis are once again spreading around the world. In his view, the ongoing conflict is not only threatening the lives and safety of people in the countries involved, but is also affecting regional stability and the global economy.
Meanwhile, recent tit-for-tat strikes between the U.S. and Iran have further worsened the security situation in the Gulf region. In particular, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has declined significantly, raising fresh concerns over global energy supply.