During a recent press encounter, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, which has now entered its second month. He pointed out the severe human suffering and economic fallout resulting from the conflict, calling on the United States and Israel to halt their military actions and for Iran to cease its attacks on neighboring countries. Guterres emphasized that conflicts do not resolve themselves and that leaders must choose dialogue over destruction. He is dispatching his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to facilitate diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace. Guterres condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear sites, and highlighted the critical need to uphold freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that the ongoing crisis could escalate into a wider conflict, affecting not only the region but also the global community, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable populations facing rising food and energy costs. In response to the conflict, Iranian officials have called for an emergency meeting of UNESCO to address damage to cultural heritage sites due to recent strikes. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister has condemned Iran's actions as premeditated aggression against its neighbors.