UN Secretary-General Guterres urges US and Iran to halt Gulf attacks
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres said he is “deeply concerned” about the recent escalation of attacks between the United States and Iran in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. He called for an immediate end to all hostilities, urging both sides to show “maximum restraint” and resume diplomatic negotiations.
Guterres warned that “a return to large‑scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for the peoples of the region, for international peace and security and for the global economy.” He also stressed the need to restore “full freedom of navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for world energy supplies. The United States’ Central Command said its strikes aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping, while Iran’s foreign ministry described its actions as lawful self‑defence and accused Washington of violating the cease‑fire memorandum.
The exchange has already pushed Brent crude above $78 a barrel, highlighting the broader economic impact of the dispute.