Brussels, (Unib Rashid) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that respect for international law and diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He expressed these views while speaking to the media.

He noted that within hours of the outbreak of war in the region, he had warned of the risk of a chain reaction that could spiral out of control. “More than three weeks have passed, and the conflict is now slipping beyond control,” he said.

Guterres emphasized that the situation has escalated far beyond what leaders had anticipated. The world, he warned, is heading toward a broader war, increasing human suffering, and a severe global economic shock. “It is time to stop climbing the ladder of escalation and start ascending the ladder of diplomacy, returning to full respect for international law,” he added.

He further said that he has remained in close contact with leaders and stakeholders across the region and beyond, with multiple diplomatic initiatives underway aimed at achieving peace. He expressed hope that these efforts would succeed. He also announced the appointment of Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to lead the United Nations’ efforts regarding the conflict and its consequences.

Addressing United States and Israel, Guterres said it is time to end the war, as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties rise, and global economic impacts become increasingly devastating.

His message to Iran was to refrain from attacking neighboring countries that are not parties to the conflict. He noted that the Security Council has condemned such actions and called for their cessation, while also stressing the importance of respecting maritime rights and freedoms around critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

He warned that any prolonged disruption in the Strait could halt the global movement of oil, gas, and fertilizers at a crucial time for agricultural production worldwide.

Guterres highlighted that civilians across the region are bearing the brunt of the crisis, living under severe insecurity. Referring to his recent visit to Lebanon, he said the consequences of the conflict are already evident on the ground and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities there as well.

He urged Hezbollah to stop its attacks on Israel and called on Israel to halt its military operations in Lebanon, which are heavily impacting civilians. “The Gaza model must not be replicated in Lebanon,” he stressed.

He also pointed to growing instability in global markets, while humanitarian operations remain limited. The shockwaves of the conflict, he said, are disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable populations who are least capable of absorbing further crises.

Concluding his remarks, Guterres said the United Nations system is actively working to mitigate the consequences of the conflict, but the most effective way to do so is clear: “End the war immediately. War is not the answer. Diplomacy is the way out. Full respect for international law is the way out. Peace is the way out.”