UN Secretary-General António Guterres has made a strong appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Iran during a statement in New York. He emphasized that it is time to stop the fighting and shift towards serious diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict. Guterres described the ongoing attacks in the Middle East as unlawful and warned that the situation could spiral out of control, leading to severe implications for regional stability and global economic health, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.

In his statements, Guterres highlighted the immense suffering and destruction faced by civilians throughout the region, criticizing the substantial financial resources funneled into the war that could otherwise support humanitarian aid. He pointed out that these conflicts not only devastate communities but also pose a serious risk to the global economy. Additionally, he stressed that the continuation of violence could escalate beyond the control of any party involved, calling for urgent action to alleviate the crisis.

Tom Fletcher, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, echoed Guterres' concerns, stating that billions of dollars are wasted daily on warfare while politicians often reduce budgets for humanitarian aid. Fletcher criticized the increasingly lethal combination of technology and unaccounted violence, stressing the need for accountability and the importance of investing in peace rather than destruction. Together, their calls reflect a growing international urgency to address the ongoing conflict and its broader repercussions on global stability and peace efforts.