At an urgent press conference outside the Security Council in New York, the UN chief delivered a troubling update on the escalating conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran. The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with ongoing bombings and attacks on Gulf States, menacing threats to navigation in the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
“Every day this war continues, human suffering grows. The scale of devastation grows. Indiscriminate attacks grow,” Mr. Guterres expressed, highlighting the mounting risks to civilians and global economy, especially impacting vulnerable societies reliant on energy imports.
The Secretary-General emphasized that the crisis’s impacts extend beyond the region, affecting freedom of navigation worldwide. “When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world’s poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe,” he implored.
To address the escalating crisis, Mr. Guterres announced the dispatch of his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to support ongoing peace efforts in the region. He stressed the need for a peaceful resolution firmly grounded in international law and the UN Charter.
Directly addressing the US, Israel, and Iran, the Secretary-General called for an immediate halt to the conflict’s devastation, urging all parties to choose dialogue over destruction. The power to end the crisis lies in the hands of world leaders.
At the Security Council meeting, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari painted a concerning picture of the Middle East on the brink of danger. He condemned attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and echoed the demand for an immediate cessation of Iranian attacks on Gulf States.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Albudaiwi, denounced Iran’s assaults on vital civilian infrastructure in GCC States, emphasizing the violation of sovereignty and international law.
In Syria, the humanitarian needs remain critical, with thousands returning amidst ongoing conflict. The UN’s top aid official, Tom Fletcher, underlined the challenges faced by displaced Lebanese and Syrian families, highlighting the urgent support required for rebuilding and restoring essential services.
The UN’s humanitarian teams are fully engaged in Syria and Lebanon, responding to the immediate needs of those impacted by the violence. Mr. Fletcher’s on-the-ground assessment revealed the widespread devastation and disruption caused by the conflict, calling for sustained international assistance to address the escalating crisis.
