Source: UN News: Monday, March 30, 2026 00:01 AM
UN chief Antonio Guterres has said the war in the Middle East is “out of control” and has crossed boundaries beyond even leaders’ expectations. Addressing reporters in New York on Wednesday, he appealed for the use of diplomacy, rather than provocation, to end the Middle East war, and has also appointed a special envoy to lead peace efforts. Wednesday marks the 26th day of war in the Middle East. Amid ongoing attacks between Israel and Iran, Israeli attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon have escalated, while about 2,000 US troops are reportedly set to deploy to the region. Meanwhile, Iran united nations maritime agency (IMO) that the Strait of Hormuz is open to “non-hostile” vessels that have no ties to the US and Israel. A message of peace and diplomacy The UN chief said “the world stands at the brink of a massive war, a rising tide of humanitarian suffering and a deep global economic shock.” He added that across the region and beyond, “civilians are suffering grave damage and living in deep insecurity,” and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz “is disrupting the movement of oil, gas and fertilizer at a critical time for global warming.” António Guterres urged the United States and Israel to “end the war.” He also called on Iran to end attacks on neighboring countries that are not parties to the war. Climb the ladder of diplomacy instead of escalating tensions Antonio Guterres said that the United Nations is deeply engaged in efforts to reduce the consequences of war. He further stressed that “it is time to stop climbing the ladder of tension and start climbing the ladder of diplomacy and return to full respect for international law.”UN Secretary General The UN chief has appointed Jean Arnau as his personal envoy to lead UN efforts on the war and its consequences. He has led UN efforts to respond to conflict and its consequences in many locations around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Jean Arnau has also been the UN chief’s personal envoy for Afghanistan and regional issues. Threat of hunger The UN chief also drew attention to the disruption in the supply of fertilizers due to war, which poses a risk to food security at the global level. “Without the availability of fertilizers today, we could face hunger in the near future,” he warned. Also, due to the skyrocketing prices of energy, Because inflation risks rising and poverty deepening around the world, António Guterres stressed that there is still a way forward, amid rising tensions and military confrontations. “Diplomacy must be maintained, war is not the answer… We must find a way out of this crisis.” “Diplomacy is the way out. Full respect for international law is the way out. Peace is the way out.” Highlights: “War is out of control,” UN chief said He called for an end to war and said peace is the answer UN chief said war in the Middle East has created chaos and Chaos has spread freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz, “crucial for global economic stability.” War in Iran has killed 1,500 people, including 300 children.