Published on: 2026-06-10
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The Middle East is rapidly sinking into an even deeper crisis, the consequences of which go far beyond the region. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at a Security Council meeting held in New York on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego. Delegations from dozens of countries are participating in the meeting.
According to the head of the UN, the region in recent days has observed an intensification of attacks and a further deterioration of the situation, which could lead to the resumption of a large-scale conflict.
The situation in the Persian Gulf
Commenting on the situation in the Persian Gulf, the Secretary-General noted that the current ceasefire rather resembles a “smoldering fire,” considering the intensification of attacks and harsh rhetoric over the past 48 hours. He warned that the risk of local tension escalating into a full-scale conflict cannot be underestimated.
“Restrictions on the rights and freedoms of navigation in the Hormuz Strait and the waters adjacent to it lead to difficulties and instability worldwide. They cause an increase in energy prices and disrupt supply chains. This results in higher costs for fertilizers and an expansion of hunger. Moreover, it intensifies inflation and increases the debt burden,” said the Secretary-General.
Even in the most favorable scenario, the consequences of this crisis will be felt for many months to come, the head of the UN warned.
He called on all parties to observe the ceasefire and to intensify efforts to reach an agreement. Guterres expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its active mediation, and also noted the contributions of Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. He also emphasized the necessity of serious negotiations on the nuclear issue to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
Conflict in Lebanon
The Secretary-General reminded that Israel has intensified operations on Lebanese territory, while “Hezbollah” is striking deeper within Israeli territory. Guterres emphasized that civilians are dying, residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon are being destroyed, and more than a million people have been forced to leave their homes. The UN chief also recalled the death of seven UN peacekeepers.
“All parties must strive for a diplomatic settlement. The settlement, within the framework of which the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders will be fully respected — in accordance with Security Council resolution 1701,” said the Secretary-General.
“I express my gratitude to the United States for assisting in conducting negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. I hope that further negotiations will contribute to establishing lasting peace and stability,” he added.
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Guterres emphasized the indispensability of implementing agreements on ceasefire and moving towards resolving the root causes of regional instability. The Secretary-General reminded that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved for decades, and called to advance towards the only viable path – ending the occupation and creating two states based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
The UN Secretary-General noted that delay only exacerbates injustice and fuels extremism. He emphasized that the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories – in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem – is rapidly deteriorating.
Despite the ceasefire announced eight months ago, civilians continue to die daily in Gaza, and humanitarian operations are severely restricted. Meanwhile, the Israeli government declares its intention to control 70 percent of the sector’s territory. The UN Secretary-General has called on all parties to implement the Comprehensive Plan for Ending the Conflict in Gaza, prepared by the USA, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
At the same time, he expressed serious concern about the situation on the Western bank, from where reports are coming in about violence by settlers, destruction of homes, destruction of farms, confiscation of lands, and the expansion of illegal settlements.
Syria and Yemen
The Secretary-General noted that any escalation of the conflict in the region casts a shadow over Syria, where after 13 years of violence, people are finally beginning to live in peace.
Speaking about Yemen, Guterres recalled a recent example of successful mediation: last month, with UN support, an agreement was reached on the release of 1,600 detainees, which became the largest agreement of its kind since the beginning of the conflict. However, tensions persist, and the Houthis threaten to restrict freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
The head of the UN also strongly urged the immediate and unconditional release of all illegally detained UN personnel, as well as representatives of NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions.
The UN Charter must lie at the basis of peaceful settlement
In conclusion, the Secretary-General emphasized that the UN Charter provides indispensable rules and instruments for peaceful settlement, and the Security Council bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
He expressed gratitude to the states and regional organizations that work on the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and confirmed that the UN will continue to provide them with technical and operational support.
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