United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed veteran French diplomat Jean Arnault as his personal envoy on the Middle East conflict, warning that the situation is “out of control” and risks escalating into a wider war.
The appointment comes as hostilities intensify across the region, with growing concern among global leaders over the potential for a broader conflict and its far-reaching economic consequences.
Guterres said he has been in contact with multiple world leaders in an effort to chart a roadmap to peace, stressing that diplomatic efforts must succeed to prevent further escalation.
“It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder — and start climbing the diplomatic ladder,” he said in New York.
He warned that the prolonged disruption of the Strait of Hormuz is significantly affecting global supply chains, choking the movement of oil, gas and fertilisers at a critical time in the global agricultural cycle.
The UN chief also issued direct appeals to key parties involved in the conflict.
“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.
“My message to Iran is to stop attacking their neighbors,” he added.
The crisis has raised alarm over potential spillover effects, including energy market instability and disruptions to food production, with experts warning of cascading global impacts if the conflict continues.
Arnault, appointed as the UN’s special envoy, brings more than three decades of diplomatic experience, having served in multiple UN missions across four continents.
He played a key role in the disarmament process of FARC rebels in Colombia and most recently served as Guterres’ personal envoy to Afghanistan in 2021 during the withdrawal of international forces and the Taliban’s return to power.
Officials said Arnault’s appointment reflects the UN’s effort to intensify diplomatic engagement and coordinate international mediation initiatives aimed at de-escalation.
The United Nations has reiterated its call for an immediate halt to hostilities, warning that continued escalation could push the region — and the global economy — into a deeper crisis.
