Antonio Guterres warns renewed full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for region, global economy
FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to delegates during a meeting on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at UN headquarters in New York City, US, April 27, 2026. REUTERS
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for an immediate end to attacks in the Gulf and urged Iran and the US to resume negotiations as military tensions escalate across the region.
Guterres is “deeply concerned” by renewed confrontations, including Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, US strikes on Iran, and Iranian attacks on targets in neighboring countries, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
“These attacks must all stop,” the statement said.
.@antonioguterres is deeply concerned by the serious escalation and renewed military confrontations in the Gulf.
He calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalatory action and take immediate steps to de-escalate.https://t.co/94Px33LMqG
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) July 12, 2026
The UN chief called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and take immediate steps to ease tensions.
Read More: US conducts strikes on Iran missile systems around Strait of Hormuz, Axios reports
He 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.
Guterres also stressed the need to restore full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
He urged Tehran and Washington to urgently return to negotiations and resolve outstanding issues through diplomacy.