UN chief hails Trump’s announcement of US-Iran ceasefire extension, backs Pakistan's role

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the extension of US-Iran ceasefire, calling it important step toward de-escalation and hailing Pakistan's efforts to facilitate the Washington-Tehran dialogue.

"This is an important step toward de-escalation and creating critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The statement came after US President Donald Trump said that Washington would extend its ceasefire with Iran to allow time for Tehran to prepare a "unified proposal" following a request by Pakistan.

Dujarric said the UN encourages all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire and engage constructively in negotiations to reach "a sustainable and lasting" resolution.

Noting that the UN chief fully supports Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate continued dialogue, Dujarric expressed hope that these diplomatic efforts would help establish the conditions necessary for a “comprehensive and durable resolution” to the conflict.

Trump's announcement came as a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was expected Tuesday to travel to Islamabad for a second round of face-to-face talks with Iran, though the trip was delayed.

The negotiations would have followed an initial round of high-level engagement in Pakistan earlier this month which ended without a breakthrough.

The ceasefire, initially announced earlier this month, had been set to expire Wednesday.

APP/ift