On Monday, the Secretary-General made a passionate appeal for peace. His message to world leaders was simple:

Stop escalation.

Exercise maximum restraint.

Re-start dialogue.

Renew international cooperation.

This appeal remains as important today as it was on Monday.

For his part, the Secretary-General will continue his active engagement with relevant actors. It is our common duty to make every effort to avoid a war in the Gulf that the world cannot afford.  We must not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war.  As always, ordinary people pay the highest price.  

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 8 January 2020