NEW YORK (MENA) – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised mediation efforts by Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey between the US and Iran during talks hosted in Islamabad, calling on the international community to support mediators’ efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
The UN secretary general urged Washington and Tehran to continue dialogue, terming recent Islamabad talks as a step that could be built upon to advance dialogue toward ending the conflict and mitigating its serious economic repercussions on the region and the world.
Guterres also called for activating a “Hormuz Strait mechanism” and tasked his special envoy with intensifying contacts and coordinating among relevant UN bodies to ensure freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the UN secretary general on the situation in the Middle East, the UN chief said that after weeks of tensions and destruction, it had become clear that a military solution would not end the conflict. While no agreement was reached in the Pakistan talks between the US and Iran, the discussions reflected seriousness among the parties and could be seen as a positive step forward.
He noted that, given the depth of differences between Washington and Tehran, “it is unrealistic to expect an agreement overnight,” urging both sides to pursue constructive dialogue.
At the same time, Guterres stressed the need for all parties to respect the ceasefire and refrain from violations, and called for adherence to freedom of navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.
He warned of the plight of around 20,000 seafarers stranded aboard their vessels due to the closure of the strait, saying they face increasing risks each day.
Guterres added that continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have catastrophic consequences not only for Middle Eastern countries but also for the global economy, weakening economic stability and disrupting multiple sectors worldwide.
He also highlighted the risks posed by a global fertilizer crisis resulting from the closure, including rising food prices, worsening food insecurity for millions, higher living costs driven by increased transport and fuel prices, and disruptions to global supply chains.
The UN chief tasked Jorge Moreira da Silva with working closely with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the International Maritime Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce to intensify engagement with all stakeholders to implement the Hormuz mechanism proposed by the United Nations on March 27.
He also instructed UN Secretary General Personal Convoy Jean Arnault to step up consultations with all parties in the Middle East aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting agreement .
