UN Chief Guterres Urges U.S. and Iran To End Conflict, Return To Diplomacy

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the United States-Iran conflict, urging all parties to return to diplomacy and fully restore navigational rights in accordance with international law.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Tuesday, Guterres issued a direct appeal as he began a three-day official visit to Pakistan.

“From Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: End the conflict. Return to diplomacy. Fully restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law,” Guterres said.

The UN chief praised Pakistan for its role in mediating between Washington and Tehran, describing the country as a trusted intermediary even by nations at odds with each other.

“Your efforts helped deliver the 17 June Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the subsequent ceasefire, and the framework for further negotiations,” Guterres said, adding that “every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role.”

Guterres also linked regional peace to the Palestinian question, stating that “there will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is fully realized.”

The conflict began in late February following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran retaliated by launching attacks on targets in Gulf countries and Jordan, and blocking transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil, fertiliser and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Hundreds of ships and their crews have remained stuck at sea for months, while fighting has spread to Yemen’s Red Sea coast where Iran-backed Houthi forces are battling government troops near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Secretary-General said he hopes Pakistan’s mediation efforts will continue and ultimately bring peace to the Middle East.