By Muhammad Mamman
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has warned that escalating violence across the Middle East is pushing the region towards a “breaking point”, urging world powers to prioritise diplomacy before the crisis spirals further out of control.
Speaking amid intensifying military strikes and counter-strikes across several fronts, Guterres said the worsening conflict risks triggering devastating humanitarian and economic consequences far beyond the region.
“The situation could spiral beyond anyone’s control,” the UN chief cautioned, adding that civilians across the Middle East are already bearing the brunt of the escalating hostilities. 
Growing fears of regional war
Tensions have surged in recent weeks following expanding confrontations involving Israel, Iran and their allies, raising fears that the conflict could ignite a broader regional war.
Military strikes and retaliatory attacks have intensified across multiple territories, with analysts warning that the widening conflict threatens shipping routes, energy supplies and global financial stability. 
UN officials say the ripple effects of the conflict are already being felt globally, particularly through rising energy prices and disruptions to key maritime routes in the Gulf.
Civilians paying the highest price
Guterres stressed that the continued violence is inflicting immense suffering on civilians, with displacement, casualties and infrastructure destruction reported across several areas of the region.
Humanitarian organisations have also warned that ongoing fighting is hampering relief operations and placing enormous pressure on already fragile aid systems.
Emergency response officials say access to food, medical supplies and essential services
