United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has cautioned that escalating tensions in the Middle East are pushing the region toward a critical point, citing growing attacks on shipping routes, rising oil prices and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Speaking during a ceremony in Türkiye where he received the Atatürk International Award for Peace, Guterres called on all parties involved in the conflict to halt hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations.
He stressed the need for combatants to respect international law, protect civilians and prioritise dialogue as the only viable path to resolving the crisis.
According to the UN chief, the global community frequently speaks about peace but has not done enough to achieve it. He warned that international law is increasingly being ignored while power struggles between nations continue to intensify.
Guterres also expressed concern that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, could worsen conflicts if not properly regulated. At the same time, he noted that military spending around the world is rising sharply while humanitarian assistance is declining.
He said civilians remain the biggest victims of the escalating violence, pointing to the heavy military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel as well as Iran’s retaliatory actions, which he described as serious threats to global peace and security.
The UN leader warned that the consequences of the conflict are spreading beyond the region, disrupting trade, pushing up energy and food prices and increasing global instability. He added that vulnerable populations are often the hardest hit during such crises.
Guterres emphasised that the region urgently needs a path to de-escalation, noting that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only sustainable solutions.
During his visit to Türkiye, which coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, the UN chief highlighted the values of compassion and solidarity associated with Islam. He said the visit was meant to recognise the generosity of the Turkish people and to show support for humanitarian efforts in the region.
He dedicated the peace award to UN staff members working around the world to provide humanitarian assistance and promote peace, while also remembering aid workers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
