UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) delivers opening remarks during a UN Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Israel, on April 14, 2024,discussing the situation in the Middle East and addressing Iran's recent attack.
Following Iran’s stark warning to Israel and the United States, with mass drone and missile attacks on Israeli territory overnight and promising a "much larger response" if provoked further, Middle-Eastern nations and global powers urged for immediate restraint.
A collective call for restraint was issued by multiple nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Qatar. Major global powers such as Russia, China, France and Germany also emphasised the need for de-escalation. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of exercising "the utmost restraint" to prevent the region from slipping into deeper instability. It urged resolving conflicts through dialogue and respect for the rule of law and the United Nations Charter.
Similarly, Turkey has appealed to Iran to avoid any new escalations that could further destabilise the area.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been vocal in his calls for maximum restraint, highlighting the potential for a "devastating full-scale conflict" and urging member states to adhere to the UN charter, which prohibits the use of force against any state's territorial integrity or political independence. Guterres also advocated for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, currently facing a severe crisis.
The ongoing conflict has had practical repercussions as well, affecting the aviation industry. Airlines including Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines and Deutsche Lufthansa AG have been forced to reroute flights or avoid areas of conflict, leading to increased flight times and additional fuel costs. Meanwhile, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have resumed some of their suspended services as airspaces began to reopen.
The situation continues to draw international concern as it poses a severe threat to regional and global peace and security, with potential implications far beyond the immediate geographical area.