UN, Turkey condemn Iranian scientist’s assassination

A spokesman for the UN secretary general as well as the Turkish Foreign Ministry have separately condemned the Friday assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

“Of course we condemn any assassination or extra-judicial killing," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"We urge restraint and the need to avoid any actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions in the region,” he added.

His comments came after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif criticized those who “hide behind calls for restraint”, while refusing to stand against terrorism.

Earlier, Guterres had stressed the importance of restraint to prevent an escalation of regional tensions after the assassination of Fakhrizadeh by suspected Israel-tied terrorists near the capital Tehran.

“We have noted the reports that an Iranian nuclear scientist has been assassinated near Tehran today. We urge restraint and the need to avoid any actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions in the region,” Guterres’ spokesman Farhan Haq said on Friday.

International community must condemn state terrorism, counter adventurism: Iran’s Zarif

The Iranian foreign minister says the international community should condemn state terrorism and counter tension and adventurism in the region.

A German Foreign Ministry spokesman had also called on all sides to show restraint and avoid any measure that could escalate tensions.

"A few weeks before the new US administration takes office, it is important to preserve the scope for talks with Iran so that the dispute over Iran's nuclear program can be resolved through negotiations," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement Saturday.

Turkey condemns terrorist assassination

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement carried by Anadolu news agency, condemned the assassination of Fakhrizadeh.

"We are saddened that the Iranian scientist lost his life as a result of an armed attack in Tehran. We condemn this heinous murder, and extend our condolences to the Iranian government and the family of the deceased,” the statement reads.

It said Turkey condemns any attempt to disrupt the peace and tranquility in the region and is against all forms of terrorism, no matter who the perpetrators or targets are.

"We hope that those who committed the action will be brought to light and be held accountable before justice. We invite all parties to act with common sense and moderation, and to avoid attempts that will lead to an escalation in the region,” it added.

In a tweet, Turkey’s parliamentary speaker referred to those responsible for the killing as “terrorist”.

“The assassination of the Iranian scientist was an act of terrorism. Whether it was committed by an illegal or a “legal” organization or a state makes no difference,” Mustafa Sentop said.

Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza also condemned the attack on Twitter, calling the killing of the scientist a “terrorist attack”.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the head of the Research and Innovation Organization of the Iranian Ministry of Defense, was assassinated in a terrorist attack on Friday. 

Fakhrizadeh was the only Iranian scientist whose name had been mentioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a program, and Israeli media reported that his assassination plot had once failed a few years ago.

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