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.

Speaking at UN headquarters, Guterres said the conflict had exceeded even worst-case expectations, warning of a potential global catastrophe if fighting continues.

He reiterated that diplomacy and adherence to international law remain the only viable path to de-escalation.

Guterres urged Tehran to stop strikes against regional states, noting that the United Nations Security Council has already condemned such actions and demanded their cessation. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding navigation rights in critical waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.

He called on Washington and Israel to bring the war to an end, citing rising civilian casualties and intensifying humanitarian and economic consequences. “This has gone too far,” he said, warning against further escalation.

The UN chief said the prolonged disruption of maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, is constraining the flow of oil, gas and fertilizers at a crucial time for global agriculture, amplifying economic shocks and threatening food security.

He warned that the conflict’s repercussions are disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, with humanitarian operations under increasing strain as violence spreads across multiple fronts.

Referring to his recent visit to Lebanon, Guterres cautioned against further deterioration there, calling on Hezbollah to halt attacks into Israel and urging Israel to stop strikes in Lebanese territory.

He warned that the humanitarian crisis seen in Gaza must not be repeated in Lebanon.Guterres said he remains engaged with regional and international stakeholders and announced the appointment of Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to coordinate diplomatic efforts related to the conflict and its broader consequences.

He emphasized that ending the war remains the most effective way to mitigate global disruption, reiterating that “peace is the way out.”