UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the ongoing war in the Middle East is “out of control,” citing growing human suffering and the risk of a wider global economic shock.
In a strongly worded statement, Guterres called for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to international law, as the conflict continues to intensify across multiple fronts.
He also announced the appointment of Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to lead United Nations efforts aimed at de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.
Guterres urged the United States and Israel to end military operations, while calling on Iran to halt attacks on neighboring states, warning that the current trajectory risks drawing the wider region into prolonged instability.
The remarks come amid rapidly escalating developments on the ground. In recent days, exchanges of strikes between Israel and Iran-backed forces have intensified, including reported attacks on military infrastructure and strategic sites. Tensions have also remained high in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions have continued.
At the same time, maritime security concerns have grown in the Black Sea and surrounding regions, following reports of drone attacks on commercial vessels, underscoring the broader impact of regional conflicts on global trade routes.
The ongoing hostilities have raised fears of disruption to energy supplies, particularly through critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, with potential ripple effects on global markets.
Guterres stressed that the humanitarian consequences are already severe and worsening, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. He reiterated that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward, calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that without urgent de-escalation, the conflict risks expanding into a wider regional war with far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.
