Kathmandu [Nepal], March 1 : Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday issued a statement expressing deep concern over the current conflict in the Middle East, calling for "maximum restraint" and to ensure that civilians are protected.
It urged both parties to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of civilians.
"Nepal expresses its deep concern over the evolving situation in the Middle East and is closely observing the developments there. Nepal urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from further escalating tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians. Nepal calls for resolving the differences through diplomacy and dialogue," the statement said.
"Nepal emphasises that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States should be respected in line with the UN Charter and international law. Nepal views that the rules-based international order and the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security should be upheld," it added.
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top security officials have been killed in the US and Israel's ongoing attacks. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged revenge and said they have launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in the Middle East, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Explosions continue to be heard in Qatar and the UAE, as per Al Jazeera.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran it will be hit "with a force that has never been seen before" if it hits "very hard today".
Iran's government says an interim council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected. Iranian state media say at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces, as per Al Jazeera.
Iran's retaliatory attacks have targeted Israel and US assets in multiple Middle East countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman.
Several countries across the region have shut their airspace amid the exchange of attacks.
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