United Nations, United States – Web Desk: António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Friday condemned what he described as “unlawful attacks” across the Middle East, warning that the rapidly escalating conflict could spiral beyond global control if fighting continues.
Speaking at the UN headquarters, Guterres said the ongoing hostilities were causing widespread civilian suffering and posing a serious threat to global economic stability.
“All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region — and pose a grave risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people,” he said.
The warning comes after United States and Israel launched a large-scale air campaign against Iran on February 28. Tehran later responded with retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and several Gulf states, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Officials in Washington have said the military operation aims to counter nuclear and missile threats from Tehran. However, the strikes have reportedly severely weakened Iran’s leadership structure, and US President Donald Trump has publicly demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Guterres urged all parties involved to halt military operations and pursue diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.
“The situation could spiral beyond anyone’s control. It is time to stop the fighting and move to serious diplomatic negotiations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tom Fletcher, head of humanitarian affairs at the United Nations, warned that the financial and humanitarian costs of the conflict were rising sharply.
“We’re seeing staggering amounts of money — reportedly a billion dollars a day — being spent on destruction, while aid budgets for the world’s most vulnerable people continue to shrink,” Fletcher said.
He also warned that the war is destabilizing global markets and supply chains, adding pressure on food prices and worsening economic hardship for poorer nations.
According to Fletcher, the conflict reflects an increasingly dangerous combination of advanced military technology and limited accountability, threatening international systems designed to prevent reckless warfare.
Analysts say continued escalation across the region could disrupt energy markets, international trade routes, and global supply chains, further intensifying economic uncertainty worldwide.
