Threat to world: UN Secretary-General warns of expansion of war in Middle East
Photo: António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (Getty Images)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that if hostilities in the Middle East are not stopped, a regional conflict could escalate into a global catastrophe with consequences for the entire planet, Guterres made this statement at a press conference on the situation in the Middle East, according to the UN press service.
What is happening in the Middle East
The crisis in the region has been ongoing for the second month. According to António Guterres, the number of casualties, the scale of destruction, and the number of attacks on civilians and infrastructure are increasing every day.
"We are on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe," the UN Secretary-General said.
Why this affects everyone
The conflict is already being felt far beyond the region. Restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic maritime route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman — are hitting the most vulnerable countries.
The consequences are being felt by ordinary people in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and other countries due to rising prices for food and fuel.
What Guterres demands
The UN Secretary-General has addressed all sides of the conflict with specific demands:
- The United States and Israel — to stop the war that is already causing mass human suffering and is destroying the region’s economy;
- Iran — to cease attacks on neighboring countries;
- All parties — to respect state sovereignty, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities;
- To ensure freedom of navigation.
Guterres noted that diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful settlement are ongoing. His personal envoy, Jean Arnault, is heading to the region.
"Conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction. That choice still exists. And it must be made - now," the UN Secretary-General stressed.
Previously, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that cooperation between Russia and Iran in drone production is one of the key drivers of escalation. Iranian Shahed drones with Russian components are already being used to attack countries in the region and US bases.
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, back in February, Zelenskyy stated that Vladimir Putin, in his view, had already started World War III. According to the president, Ukraine’s task is to prevent the conflict from becoming global.
