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Source: Anadolu Agency
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned on Wednesday that the ongoing conflict involving Iran has spiraled beyond control, calling it “out of control” and cautioning that the world faces the risk of a far broader confrontation.
Speaking at a press briefing at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said, “More than three weeks on, this war is out of control,” adding that the conflict has surpassed even the limits that world leaders thought imaginable. He warned that the escalation could lead to a wider war, increase human suffering, and trigger deeper global economic shocks.
The UN chief urged an immediate halt to military escalation, emphasizing the need to “stop climbing the escalation ladder and start climbing the diplomatic ladder” while returning to full respect for international law. Addressing the United States and Israel, he stressed that the war must end as civilian casualties rise and global economic impacts intensify.
Guterres also called on Iran to cease attacks on Gulf countries, which he said are not parties to the conflict. Highlighting economic consequences, he noted that the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting the movement of oil, gas, and fertilizer at a critical time for global planting seasons.
Turning to Lebanon, he urged Israel to stop military operations that disproportionately affect civilians, warning that the Gaza model must not be repeated.