Introduction 1. The provisions of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015), by which the Council endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, are set to expire on 18 October 2025. As of today, the objectives of the resolution and those of the Plan have yet to be fully realized. Since my previous report, the regional context surrounding the Plan has evolved. I am profoundly alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran following the recent Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, including on some nuclear installations, and the Iranian response. I condemn the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives and injuries to civilians and damage to homes and critical civilian infrastructure. I ask both sides to show maximum restraint and avoid at all costs a descent into deeper conflict and reiterate my call for an immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire. I strongly appeal to all to avoid any further internationalization of the conflict. Diplomacy remains the best and only way to address concerns regarding the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran and regional security issues.
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