UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over renewed conflict in the Middle East and called on the United States and Iran to implement a ceasefire and return to negotiations. The report was published on July 30, 2026.

Speaking in New York, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said Guterres had been worried for some time that the conflict could widen if the parties did not return to talks. Haq said it now appeared that this was happening.

Haq said the recent developments were not positive and that the secretary-general wanted the parties to agree to a ceasefire. He also urged a return to diplomatic initiatives, including mediation efforts involving Pakistan, Qatar and others.