Brussels, Feb. 28 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Saturday unequivocally condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, saying that the "use of force" by United States and Israel, and Iran's "subsequent retaliation" undermine international peace and security.

While invoking the UN charter, the Secretary General, said that the principle document guiding the international body clearly prohibits "the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

"All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the UN. The Charter clearly prohibi...