Calls grow for restraint in Mideast

UN urges cease-fire as Iran, Israel swap threats after missile barrage

The United Nations has called for a de-escalation in the Middle East, after Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening in response to previous assassinations of Iranian leaders by Israel and the Israeli offensive in Palestine and Lebanon.

"I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation," Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said in a statement after Iran launched missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening.

"We absolutely need a ceasefire," Guterres said.