UN Chief António Guterres Calls for Ceasefire and Renewed Talks Amid Middle East Conflict

António Guterres has issued a strong appeal for peace, stressing that there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East after weeks of devastation and humanitarian distress. The Secretary-General of the United Nations urged all parties to immediately resume diplomatic talks to reach a sustainable agreement. He emphasized that the ceasefire must be strictly upheld, with zero tolerance for violations.

After weeks of destruction & distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict in the Middle East.

I call for resumption of talks for an agreement to be reached.

The ceasfire must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease.

All parties to…

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 13, 2026

Guterres also called on all sides involved in the conflict to respect international law, particularly ensuring the freedom of navigation in critical global waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. His statement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, underlining the urgent need for dialogue, de-escalation, and adherence to global norms to prevent further instability.