Guterres calls for an immediate end to the war in the Middle East and warns of its global effects

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate halt to the war in the Middle East and to give current diplomatic efforts the opportunity to achieve a peaceful solution based on international law and the United Nations Charter, warning of the danger of the continuation of the war, which has entered its second month, and of its global repercussions.

In today’s statements, Guterres made direct appeals to the parties concerned, during which he called on both the United States and Israel to immediately stop the war, and on Iran, on the other hand, to immediately stop attacking its neighbors, noting that the Security Council condemned these attacks and stressed the need for Iran to respect freedom of navigation.

The Secretary-General warned of the repercussions of the war that are being felt globally, including restricting freedom of navigation, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, which leads to higher food and energy prices and particularly affects the poorest and most fragile countries.

He pointed out that his personal envoy, Jean Arnault, was sent to the region to support diplomatic efforts, stressing that conflicts do not end on their own, and that dialogue is the only way to avoid further destruction, stressing the need to seize the current opportunity for a peaceful solution.