UN Appoints Special Envoy as Guterres Warns US-Israel–Iran War ‘Out of Control’
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has raised alarm over the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that the situation is spiralling beyond control and threatening global stability.
Speaking in New York, Guterres cautioned that the intensifying hostilities risk triggering a wider war, worsening humanitarian suffering and deepening economic shocks worldwide.
“The world is staring down the barrel of a broader conflict,” he said, stressing that the crisis has exceeded initial expectations. “This has gone too far.”
The UN chief, however, emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolution. “Diplomacy must prevail. War is not the answer. We need a way out of this disaster,” he said, calling for full respect for international law and renewed commitment to peace efforts.
As part of moves to de-escalate tensions, Guterres announced the appointment of veteran diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead mediation efforts and engage directly with all parties involved.
According to him, the envoy will work on the ground to support ongoing peace initiatives and assess the broader implications of the conflict across the region and beyond.
He noted that the war has already destabilised the Middle East, with global repercussions, particularly on energy markets linked to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Guterres warned that disruptions to the vital shipping route are constraining supplies of oil, gas and fertilisers, pushing markets into turmoil and complicating humanitarian operations.
He urged the United States and Israel to end military actions, while also calling on Iran to halt attacks on neighbouring countries not directly involved in the conflict.
The UN chief further highlighted the disproportionate impact of the crisis on vulnerable nations, especially developing economies grappling with debt and rising living costs.
He cautioned that reduced access to fertilisers could threaten global food production. “Without fertilisers today, we might have hunger tomorrow,” he said, adding that surging energy prices could fuel inflation and worsen poverty worldwide.
Guterres reiterated that ensuring freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, remains critical to stabilising global supply chains and preventing further economic disruption.
