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The United Nations said the world needs more diplomacy and no further military action, responding to reports that the United States warned several Gulf states to brace for possible attacks against Iran after the November 3 congressional midterm elections.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric made the remarks at a daily press briefing, citing a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report on global military spending and confirming that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remains in contact with countries in the region to encourage diplomacy.

UN urges diplomatic path

Asked about reports that Washington had advised some Gulf countries to prepare for possible strikes on Iran following the November 3 congressional midterm elections, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: "The world needs more diplomacy. We do not need more military action."

Dujarric said diplomacy is the approach Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has consistently emphasized, and that the UN is in contact with countries in the region to encourage that route.

Spending on arms versus aid

Dujarric also referred to US media reports that the United States spent about $47.1 billion on operations against Iran between February 28 and October 16. Citing the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's annual report on global military expenditure, Dujarric said it shows "how much money countries spend on arming themselves instead of spending money on development and humanitarian aid."

"I think what is shocking is that the gap between these two areas keeps widening," Dujarric added.

What the US reports said

The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported new indications that the US and Israel were preparing attacks on Iran. In that context, the newspaper reported that the US administration warned some Gulf states to be ready for short but intense possible strikes after the November 3 congressional midterm elections.

The New York Times wrote that the Pentagon told Congress in a report last week that about $47.1 billion had been spent on operations against Iran between February 28 and October 16, with more than 60 percent of that spending going to bombs, missiles and other munitions.

Key takeaways

• UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the world needs more diplomacy and no more military action.
• Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is in contact with regional countries to promote diplomacy.
• A Pentagon report cited by The New York Times put US spending on Iran operations at about $47.1 billion between February 28 and October 16.
• More than 60 percent of that spending went to bombs, missiles and other munitions, according to the report.