UN Secretary-General Urges US and Iran to Continue Negotiations

UN Headquarters (ANTARA) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for negotiations between the United States and Iran to continue, as stated by his spokesperson on Monday (13/4). Although no agreement was reached in the talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad mediated by Pakistan, the discussions demonstrated the seriousness of both parties’ engagement and represent a positive and meaningful step towards resuming dialogue, said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, in a statement. “Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be achieved overnight, and the Secretary-General calls for the negotiations to continue constructively so that an agreement can be reached,” he stated. “After weeks of destruction and suffering, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict,” the spokesperson added. At the same time, an absolute ceasefire must be maintained. All violations must be stopped, said Dujarric. The Secretary-General emphasised that all parties involved in this conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law, he added. Disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have had direct impacts far beyond the surrounding region, increasing global economic vulnerabilities and insecurity in many sectors, the spokesperson said. Disruptions to fertilisers and their raw materials are further exacerbating food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people worldwide, adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from disruptions to fuel, transportation, and supply chains, he stated.