The escalating conflict in the Middle East has entered its second month, prompting António Guterres to warn that the world is “on the edge of a wider war” with potentially catastrophic global consequences.
Speaking outside the United Nations Security Council in New York, Guterres described a rapidly worsening situation as Israel and the United States continue military strikes on Iran, while Tehran responds with attacks on neighbouring Gulf States and threats to shipping routes, including the vital Strait of Hormuz.
He warned that with each passing day, human suffering and destruction are intensifying, with civilians and infrastructure increasingly affected. The conflict is also posing serious risks to the global economy, particularly for vulnerable nations dependent on energy imports.
Guterres stressed that the crisis is no longer confined to the region, pointing to disruptions in global trade and navigation. He highlighted that instability around the Strait of Hormuz is already contributing to rising food and energy prices in countries such as the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions, the UN chief announced the deployment of his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to support ongoing diplomatic efforts. He called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urged all parties to prioritize dialogue over continued violence, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law and the UN Charter.
Addressing the key actors directly, Guterres urged the United States and Israel to stop military operations that are causing widespread suffering and economic disruption, while calling on Iran to cease attacks on neighbouring countries.
At the Security Council, Khaled Khiari echoed concerns, warning that the region is at a “dangerous precipice.” He referenced demands for Iran to halt attacks against Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
Jassim Albudaiwi of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure, including airports, oil facilities, and residential areas, describing them as violations of sovereignty and international law. He emphasized that Gulf States are seeking peace, stability, and security rather than conflict.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen in Syria and Lebanon. According to Tom Fletcher, around 180,000 Syrians and 25,000 Lebanese have returned or fled due to the conflict, often with minimal resources. In Lebanon alone, more than one million people have been displaced in recent weeks amid ongoing clashes, leaving critical infrastructure severely damaged.
Despite the devastation, UN humanitarian teams remain on the ground, adapting their response to assist affected populations. Guterres concluded with a strong appeal to global leaders, stressing that conflicts do not end on their own but require decisive action and a commitment to dialogue to prevent further escalation.
