UN chief urges immediate halt to escalating Gulf attacks

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong call for an immediate halt to escalating attacks across the Gulf, warning that the conflict is spiraling out of control and risks catastrophic consequences for the region and the global economy.

In statements and posts on X, Guterres expressed deep concern over recent military actions, including US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf countries. He condemned the escalation, stating that it undermines international peace and security and violates obligations under international law.

Guterres emphasized that a return to full-scale war would have grave repercussions, particularly for civilians, and urged all parties to step back from the brink and allow diplomacy to prevail. He specifically called on the United States and Israel to end the war and on Iran to cease attacks on its neighbors. The UN chief also stressed the importance of respecting freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that its prolonged disruption is impacting vital supplies of oil, gas, and fertilizer.

To spearhead peace efforts, Guterres announced the appointment of veteran diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy. Arnault will work on the ground to support mediation and peace initiatives, engaging with all parties involved. The UN Secretary-General also highlighted the severe humanitarian toll, with civilians enduring harm and insecurity, and warned of a looming threat to global food security due to disrupted fertilizer supplies and soaring energy prices, which could fuel inflation and deepen poverty worldwide.

A Security Council meeting to discuss the attacks was called by French President Emmanuel Macron. Other UN officials, including High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, echoed Guterres's concerns, condemning the violence and urging a return to negotiations and dialogue to avoid further death and destruction.