Doha: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday named veteran French diplomat Jean Arnault to be his personal envoy on the conflict in the Middle East, saying it was "out of control" and the "world is staring down the barrel of a wider war."

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres stated that he had been in close contact with many in the region and around the world, noting that a number of initiatives for dialogue and peace were underway.

Guterres also highlighted Arnault's qualities and competence in managing complex and unresolved Middle East dossiers, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver, given his distinguished diplomatic track record.

Nickolay Mladenov has served as the United Nations envoy to the Middle East since 2015, succeeding Robert Serry, who held the post from November 2007 until February 5, 2015.