As tensions between Iran and Israel worsen, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reached out to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in a crucial phone call, said a UN spokeswoman during a press conference Friday. Early Friday, Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Tehran and several other cities in Iran, aiming to dismantle the nation’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production, and broader military capabilities. Iran on Friday night responded to the attacks by launching a salvo of ballistic missiles against military targets in Israel. Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized his plea for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avert a deeper descent into conflict, an outcome the region can hardly afford, in response to questions from China Central Television (CCTV). Tremblay stated that the UN chief strongly denounced both military actions and escalations. Tremblay added that the secretary-general intended to discuss the matter with other world leaders. Shotlist: UN Headquarters, New York City - June 13, 2025: 1. Press conference in progress; 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: "Earlier this morning, the secretary general spoke to the Foreign Minister of the Islamic republic of Iran. They, as you can imagine, discussed the situation created by the events unfolding in the past few hours. The secretary general reiterated the position he expressed publicly that I read to you. He also expressed that we need to avoid at all cost a deadly confrontation that might get out of control."; Iran - June 13, 2025 3. Debris, people; 4. Damaged building; UN Headquarters, New York City - June 13, 2025 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (starting with shot 4): "So we continue, that phone call happened a few hours ago, and as you can imagine, the secretary general continues to follow with deep concern everything that is happening there. He continues to encourage all the parties towards diplomacy, continues to reiterate that diplomacy remains the best way to address concerns regarding regional security issues and regarding what is unfolding right now. So he's really continuing to call for diplomacy, he's continuing to condemn any military action, any military escalation."; Tehran, Iran - June 13, 2025 6. Buildings; objects being intercepted in sky; 7. Various of black smoke billowing into sky; 8. Various of damaged residential building, onlookers; UN Headquarters, New York City - June 13, 2025 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: "With his engagement, he's planning to speak to other leaders from the region and beyond, and as you know, as usual, when this happens, we will let you know."; FILE: UN Headquarters, New York City - July 24, 2024 10. Various of UN headquarters, flags. [Restriction - For news purpose only/No archive/Not for other production use, No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]