In a high-stakes diplomatic offensive, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held talks with key Gulf leaders on Monday, racing against the specter of war with Iran that could cripple global markets. UN spokesperson Stephen Dujarric detailed the conversations, painting a grim picture of how regional hostilities are already inflating oil prices by over 5% and risking broader economic turmoil.
‘Military actions in the Gulf don’t just threaten the area—they endanger the entire world’s economy,’ Dujarric stated, noting that fragile, low-income countries suffer the most from such shocks. A potential shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz looms large, promising even steeper rises in fuel costs and supply chain disruptions.
Guterres voiced alarm at the risk of the fighting spilling over into neighboring states uninvolved in the initial clashes, including Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members. His outreach included direct lines to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim, Oman’s top diplomat Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, and GCC ambassadors.
The dialogue with Qatar stressed the urgent need for talks to replace escalating military moves. Praising Oman’s role in US-Iran mediation, Guterres condemned recent assaults on Iran by the US and Israel—attacks launched mere days after Oman-facilitated Geneva negotiations between Iran and Israel.
With oil markets in flux and tensions at a boiling point, the UN leader implored all parties to halt hostilities immediately. Prioritizing dialogue over destruction, Guterres aims to chart a course toward peace, safeguarding not just regional security but the economic lifeline of billions worldwide.