UN Chief urges immediate halt to ME war, calls for diplomacy

Global repercussions of the conflict

Guterres highlighted the dangers of the war, now in its second month, and its global impacts. He noted that the conflict is affecting freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and driving up food and energy prices, with the poorest and most vulnerable countries bearing the brunt.

Direct appeals to parties

The Secretary-General called on the United States and Israel to immediately halt hostilities and urged Iran to stop attacks on its neighbors. He also emphasized that the UN Security Council has condemned these attacks and underlined the importance of respecting freedom of navigation.

Diplomatic efforts and peaceful solutions

Guterres highlighted the deployment of his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to support ongoing diplomatic efforts. He stressed that conflicts do not resolve themselves and that dialogue remains the only path to prevent further destruction, urging all parties to seize the current opportunity for a peaceful solution.