UN Secretary-General strongly warns against escalation of war

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region has spiraled "out of control." Secretary-General Guterres told reporters in front of the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday (local time), "The world is facing the barrel of a bigger war, increased human suffering and a deeper global economic shock," and said, "This has gone too far."

Special envoy Jean Arnault appointed, to initiate on-site mediation

Secretary-General Guterres confirmed that he had appointed veteran diplomat Jean Arnault as personal envoy to lead UN efforts to end the conflict. This conflict is shaking the entire Middle East and is sending shock waves around the world, especially in energy markets dependent on the Strait of Hormuz.

Special Envoy Arnault will work “more directly on the ground,” contacting all parties and assessing the wider implications of the conflict.

Direct message to the United States, Israel, and Iran

Secretary-General Guterres delivered a strong message to key actors. He urged the United States and Israel, "It is time to end the war," and demanded Iran, "Stop attacking neighboring countries that are not parties to the conflict."

In particular, he emphasized that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be respected, and warned that the long-term blockade of the strait is blocking the supply of essential goods such as oil, gas, and fertilizers.

Humanitarian crisis and global economic shock

Secretary-General Guterres said civilians across the region were "suffering severe harm and living in extreme insecurity." Referring to the situation in Lebanon, he argued that "the war must stop," and urged Hezbollah to stop attacking Israel and Israel to stop air strikes that "hit civilians the hardest."

He said markets were in "disarray" and humanitarian work was being restricted. The economic shock is hitting the most vulnerable in developing countries hardest, who are already struggling with rising debt and costs.

Warning of imminent food security crisis

Secretary-General Guterres pointed out that disruption of fertilizer supply is an imminent threat to global food security. “If there is no fertilizer today, there could be starvation tomorrow,” he warned, adding that soaring energy prices risked fueling inflation and deepening poverty around the world.

“Diplomacy is the only solution”

Despite rising military tensions and continued escalation, Secretary-General Guterres insisted there was still a solution. “Diplomacy must win. War is not the answer. We need a way out of this disaster,” he emphasized.

He emphasized, "Diplomacy is the way out. Complete respect for international law is the way out. Peace is the way out."