UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has engaged in diplomatic talks with leaders in the Gulf region as the United Nations expresses worries about the global economic repercussions of the Iran conflict. The UN is alarmed by the potential negative effects that military actions in the region could have on the world economy, particularly on the most vulnerable populations, according to Guterres’ Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Oil prices, which are highly sensitive to instability in the Gulf area, surged by 5.63% on Monday. The closure of navigation in the Gulf of Hormuz could further disrupt energy prices. Guterres is specifically concerned about the spread of attacks to countries not initially involved, including Gulf nations, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, as highlighted by Dujarric.
Dujarric emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, an immediate halt to hostilities, and sincere dialogue and negotiations in the region. Guterres held discussions with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, and the ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
During talks with Albusaidi, Guterres appreciated Oman’s mediation efforts between Iran and the US. He also reiterated his disapproval of the attacks on Iran and the Iranian assaults on Gulf nations. The recent US-Israel attacks on Iran occurred shortly after the last round of negotiations between Iran and Israel in Geneva, facilitated by Oman.
