Colombia has demanded a ceasefire amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, following a U.S. and Israeli offensive against Iran, which responded with retaliatory strikes against Israel and American military installations across the region.

"Colombia invokes the immediate cessation of hostilities and the strict observance of international law and international humanitarian law," reads a statement released by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which categorically condemns "the use of force" and calls for "the immediate protection of the civilian population."

In this context, the government urges the international community to "act swiftly to prevent devastating consequences for the region and the world."

"Colombia calls upon the United Nations Security Council to assume, with historical responsibility, its primary mandate: to preserve international peace and security. The United Nations cannot fall short of the gravity of this moment. Silence, inaction, or delayed responses will only deepen the tragedy," the statement adds, emphasizing that "war cannot be the path."

It concludes: "Peace allows no delay."