The escalating conflict in the Middle East is triggering global consequences, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the situation is deteriorating “with each passing hour,” particularly amid restrictions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Guterres said the crisis has entered a dangerous phase, with disruptions to navigational rights and trade routes threatening global stability and economic security.
“The Middle East crisis is lumbering into its third month. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the consequences grow dramatically worse with each passing hour,” Guterres said, expressing deep concern over restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy and trade passage.
In a stark warning, the UN chief said a prolonged conflict could push the global economy toward recession, with severe humanitarian and political consequences.
“In a scenario where disruptions persist through the end of the year, we confront the spectre of a global recession,with dramatic impacts on people, on the economy, and on political and social stability,” Guterres said.
He emphasized that the consequences are “not cumulative, but exponential,” signaling that conditions could rapidly spiral beyond control if the conflict continues.
“In a third scenario, severe disruptions persist through the end of the year. … We confront the spectre of a global recession – with dramatic impacts on people, on the economy, and on political and social stability. These consequences are not cumulative. They are exponential,” Guterres said.
The UN chief also urged immediate action to ensure the reopening and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, calling on all parties to respect international law and ensure navigational rights and freedoms.
“My message is clear: navigational rights and freedoms must be restored immediately, in line with Security Council Resolution 2817,” Guterres said, calling for free passage for all commercial vessels.
The entire humanity is paying the price for the conflict in the Middle East, and its painful consequences are going to persist for a long time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday.
Guterres also highlighted the growing human toll, warning that the conflict could reverse years of development progress.
According to UN estimates, up to 32 million people could be pushed into poverty, while 45 million more may face extreme hunger due to declining crop yields and fertilizer shortages.
“Hard-won development gains are reversed overnight,” he warned, stressing that the economic shock would extend far beyond the region.
“As with every conflict, the whole of humanity is paying the price – even if a few are reaping huge profits. The pain will be felt for a long time to come,” Guterres told reporters.
“Now consider scenario second scenario, where disruption drags on through midyear … Thirty two million people are pushed into poverty. Fertilizers run low, and crops yields fall short. Forty five million more people will face extreme hunger. Hard-won development gains are reversed overnight,” Guterres added.
