United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has renewed his call for an immediate end to the fighting following military strikes by the United States and Israel and retaliatory attacks by Iran. He warned that the escalating violence has caused immense suffering and pushed the region to a breaking point.

Guterres stressed that civilians, particularly the most vulnerable, are bearing the brunt of the conflict. He urged all sides to step back from further confrontation, saying that de escalation and dialogue are the only viable path forward.

He delivered his remarks in the Turkish capital while receiving the country’s peace prize on behalf of United Nations staff worldwide.