GENEVA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, has called on influential states to prevent any further worsening of the already highly delicate situation between Iran and Israel.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Türk expressed deep concerns over the potential humanitarian and human rights fallout of this escalation and urged all parties involved to take immediate measures to de-escalate the situation.

He called upon third-party states, "in particular those with influence, to do all in their power to ensure there is no further deterioration in an already extremely precarious situation."

He criticized the assaults carried out by Iran on Israel, stating that these missile and drone attacks could result in serious harm extending beyond military objectives and endangering civilians.

He emphasized the importance of all parties adhering to their responsibilities outlined in international humanitarian and human rights laws.

Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations said Saturday the country's military action against Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defense and in response to the deadly Israeli attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria, the official news agency IRNA reported Sunday. ■