United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that the world is on the brink of a major war that could have devastating global consequences.
Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters, he said that every passing day of the ongoing war in the Middle East is increasing human suffering. The scope of destruction is widening and indiscriminate attacks are increasing. Civilians and infrastructure are being targeted in the war, while countries dependent on energy imports are facing severe economic risks.
He said that the impact of this crisis is no longer limited to the region. Freedom of movement is being severely affected. When the Strait of Hormuz is choked, the poor and vulnerable countries of the world stop breathing. The effects of the current situation are already being seen in countries like the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Mozambique in the form of continuously rising food and energy prices.
Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire
The Secretary-General announced that he was sending his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to support ongoing peace efforts. He said that this cycle of death and destruction must stop and diplomacy must be given a chance to succeed.
He made it clear that any solution to the problem must be based on international law and the UN Charter. Disputes must be resolved peacefully, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be respected, and civilians and nuclear facilities must be protected, including in Iran and elsewhere.
Message to the parties
Addressing the warring parties directly, the Secretary-General said that the United States and Israel should immediately stop this war that is causing immense human suffering and severe economic losses. Iran should also stop attacking its neighbors.
He said that conflicts do not end automatically, but rather when world leaders choose the path of dialogue instead of destruction. This choice still exists and must be taken advantage of.
Criticism of Iran in the Security Council
Addressing a Security Council meeting called to enhance cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Arab countries, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khalid al-Khairy said that the Middle East is at a very dangerous juncture.
He condemned the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel and referred to resolution 2817 (2026) adopted by the Council last month, which called on Iran to immediately cease its attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassim al-Badawi told the council that Iran had targeted critical civilian infrastructure, including airports, oil installations, residential and commercial areas, fuel depots, service centers and diplomatic centers.
He said that the GCC strongly condemns these attacks, which are a clear violation of the sovereignty of member states, international law and the UN Charter. The countries of the council do not want war, but rather they want peace, security and stability.
Migration crisis
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Tom Fletcher, briefed the Security Council on the situation in Damascus and other areas after visiting Syria, saying that Lebanese and Syrian families have been forced to flee almost empty-handed. The country’s aid needs have intensified, with nearly 180,000 Syrians returning home since the recent war in the Middle East and 25,000 Lebanese also fleeing to Syria.
Tom Fletcher said that the Syrian people are trying to rebuild their lives. UN aid teams are constantly mobilized to help those affected and are adapting their strategies to the changing situation.
During the trip, he also visited Lebanon, where clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have displaced more than a million people in just a few weeks, shattered lives, and destroyed critical civilian infrastructure.
