NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday appointed French diplomat Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, warning that the situation “is out of control” and the world faces the risk of a wider war.
Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York that Arnault “will be doing everything possible,” including mediation and outreach to all parties, while assessing the humanitarian and global economic impacts of the conflict, particularly on less developed countries.
The UN Chief said that “we have mediators who are fully engaged and hope they succeed.”
Guterres said the fighting has escalated beyond what even senior leaders had anticipated.
He specifically called on the United States and Israel, whose joint strikes last month initiated hostilities against Iran, to halt military operations immediately.
“My message to the United States and Israel is that it is high time to end the war – as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties mount, and the global economic impact is increasingly devastating,” Guterres said.
He also addressed Iran, urging Tehran to cease attacks on neighbouring countries, and condemned Hezbollah for launching strikes into Israel.
“Israel must stop its military operations and strikes in Lebanon, which are hitting civilians the hardest. The Gaza model must not be replicated in Lebanon,” he added.
Guterres highlighted the global repercussions of the conflict. He warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting the movement of oil, gas, and fertiliser at a critical moment in the global planting season.
UN experts and other international observers have cautioned that these disruptions could trigger a surge in food prices, particularly affecting vulnerable nations still recovering from recent economic shocks.
Arnault brings more than 30 years of experience in international diplomacy, specialising in peace settlements and mediation.
He has served in multiple UN missions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
His most recent assignment was in 2021, when he acted as Guterres’ personal envoy on Afghanistan and regional issues.
Guterres emphasised that Arnault will lead diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and support ongoing peace initiatives.
Guterres called for an immediate pivot from military escalation to diplomacy.
“It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder – and start climbing the diplomatic ladder,” he said.
