UN chief urges end to Gulf attacks, return to diplomacy

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for an immediate end to attacks across the Gulf and urged Tehran and Washington to resume negotiations as military tensions surge across the region. The UN chief is "deeply concerned" by renewed confrontations, including Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and US strikes on Iranian targets, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. "These attacks must all stop," the statement said, emphasizing the need for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation.

Warning of regional fallout

Guterres warned that a return to full-scale hostilities would have "catastrophic consequences" for the people of the region, international peace and security, and the global economy. The secretary-general stressed the urgent need to restore full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for global commerce that has seen repeated disruptions in recent weeks. He called on all parties to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent a broader conflict.

Diplomatic path forward

The UN chief specifically urged Iran and the United States to urgently return to the negotiating table and resolve outstanding issues through diplomatic channels. The call comes amid heightened military activity in the region, with Iranian attacks on targets in neighboring countries and American retaliatory strikes intensifying concerns about a wider war. Guterres noted that only through sustained dialogue can the region avoid the devastating impact of prolonged conflict.