As fighting intensifies across the Middle East, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned that the escalating conflict could spiral beyond control if urgent diplomatic steps are not taken.
Guterres said the continuing attacks across the region are causing significant suffering for civilians and could pose serious risks to the global economy, particularly for vulnerable populations.
He stressed that the situation could quickly worsen if hostilities involving United States, Israel, and Iran continue to intensify.
“The situation could spiral beyond anyone’s control”, he said, urging an immediate halt to the fighting and a return to serious diplomatic negotiations.
Military strikes and counter-strikes have continued across the region as the crisis enters its seventh day.
Also speaking on the situation, Tom Fletcher warned that the world is facing a moment of “grave peril”, noting that the widening conflict could trigger far-reaching humanitarian consequences beyond the Middle East.
Fletcher expressed concern that vast resources are being spent on warfare while humanitarian aid budgets for the most vulnerable populations are being reduced.
Meanwhile, Volker Türk warned that the conflict is spreading beyond the initial parties and called on countries to urgently de-escalate tensions.
Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Iravani, said Iran does not seek war but would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
UN officials warned that if the conflict continues to escalate, it could worsen humanitarian crises and divert attention and resources from other emergencies in countries such as Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine.
Fletcher reiterated the UN’s call for an immediate ceasefire, renewed commitment to international law, and protection for humanitarian workers assisting civilians caught in the violence.
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