UN chief slams 'unlawful attacks', says Mideast could spiral out of control

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Friday "unlawful attacks" across the Middle East and warned that the situation could spiral out of control as the conflict spreads to multiple countries.

US and Israeli forces launched a massive air campaign against Iran on February 28. Iran has retaliated with strikes against Israel and Gulf countries.  

Washington said it aimed to curb nuclear and missile threats from Tehran but it has also decapitated the country's government, and President Donald Trump is now demanding "unconditional surrender."

"All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region -- and pose a grave risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people," Guterres said.

"The situation could spiral beyond anyone's control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations."

More from this section

Japan approves stem-cell treatment for Parkinson's in world first

Somaliland's Israel deal could put Berbera port at risk

War in Middle East raises stagflation fears in Europe and beyond

The UN's humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said Friday that "we're seeing staggering amounts of money, reportedly a billion dollars a day, funding this war spent on destruction, while politicians continue to boast about cutting aid budgets for those in greatest need."

"We're seeing an increasingly deadly alliance of technology and killing with impunity," he added.

Fletcher said "we're seeing a sustained attack against the systems and laws meant to restrain us from our worst instincts and from reckless warfare."

He also reflected mounting concern about the war's other impacts, warning that "it tears through markets, supply chains, food prices, and when that happens, it's the most vulnerable people who are hit first and hardest."

abd-gw/msp