ElBaradei, who led the International Atomic Energy Agency from 1997 to 2009, made the appeal in a post on X, urging regional governments to act before the situation deteriorates further. “Do everything in your power before this madman turns the region into a ball of fire,” he wrote, referring to Trump’s recent threats against Tehran.

In a separate post, ElBaradei questioned whether international actors could halt the escalation, tagging the United Nations, the European Union, as well as Emmanuel Macron, and the foreign ministries of China and Russia.

Trump has warned that Iran must either reach an agreement with Washington or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route that has been effectively blocked since the outbreak of war following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that Iran faces a 48-hour deadline or risk severe military consequences.

The remarks come amid intensifying hostilities in the region, with ongoing strikes and countermeasures raising concerns over broader instability and disruption to global energy supplies.

ElBaradei, an Egyptian diplomat and former vice president, led the IAEA during the early years of international scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear program. He and the agency were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Abdulmohsen Majed bin Khothaila, said the strikes targeted Saudi Arabia, other Gulf countries and Jordan, characterizing them as breaches of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He described the actions as “cowardly” and said they undermined regional stability and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Addressing the council, bin Khothaila said that targeting neighboring states and mediators amounted to a violation of the principles of good neighborliness and a betrayal of peace initiatives.

He added that attacks on countries not directly involved in the conflict were “unjustifiable and unacceptable.”He accused Iran of pursuing a strategy involving support for militias and destabilization of neighboring countries, warning that such conduct posed a direct threat to international peace and security.

He also said the attacks had caused civilian casualties and damage to residential areas and critical infrastructure.

The Saudi envoy stated that the strikes constituted serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. He rejected any attempt by Tehran to deny responsibility, saying the evidence was clear and accountability unavoidable.

“Continuing this approach will bring Iran no gains, but will instead impose a high political and economic cost and deepen its isolation,” he said, urging Iranian authorities to reconsider their actions.

Bin Khothaila also condemned attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting their implications for global energy markets and trade.

He warned that interference with energy supplies and food systems could have severe consequences, particularly for developing economies vulnerable to external shocks.

Calling for a stronger international response, he said the situation demanded urgent action to protect civilians and critical infrastructure, adding that “silence is no longer an option.”