António Guterres was speaking to reporters outside the European Council in Brussels, where he briefed regional leaders on the importance of continuing multilateral cooperation between the EU and UN.

He said the United States and Israel need to end their assault on Iran before it spirals “completely out of control”, leading to more civilian suffering, especially in least developed nations where the consequences of rising energy prices and supply chain bottlenecks could have “tragic consequences.”

End the assault on energy

Attacks in recent days by Israel and Iran on natural gas fields and other energy infrastructure in the Gulf have seen prices rise sharply for consumers, while multiple countries have called on Tehran to stop attacks and threats to shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz off the Iranian coast.

Mr. Guterres urged Iran: “Stop attacking your neighbours; they were never parties to the conflict. The Security Council has condemned these attacks,” and has also ordered the reopening of the Strait.

‘Enormous pain’

“The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz causes enormous pain in so many people around the world that have nothing to do with this conflict,” the UN chief continued.

“It’s time for the force of the law to prevail over the law of force. It’s time for diplomacy to prevail over war,” he said.

Catch up on Thursday's extensive live coverage from UN News here, if you missed it.