UN chief urges continued US-Iran talks, respect for ceasefire & navigation rights

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2026) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Monday called for continued dialogue following weekend Pakistan-mediated talks between the United States and Iran, stressing that there is no military solution to the conflict.

In a statement read out at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, his Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric said the UN chief was of the view that while no agreement was reached, the discussions in Islamabad were a “positive and meaningful step” and should continue.

“Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the Secretary-General calls on the talks to continue constructively in order for an agreement to be reached.”

The UN chief also urged all parties to fully respect the ceasefire and halt violations, while expressing appreciation for mediation efforts by Pakistan, alongside Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye.

Responding a question about US move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of upholding freedom of navigation in that crucial waterway, in line with international law.

"We need to remember that some 20,000 seafarers have been caught up in this conflict and are currently stranded on ships, facing increasing hardships daily," he said.

"Disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already had direct effect well beyond the immediate region, with increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors.

"The disruption of fertilizer and its inputs further exacerbate food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world, adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from fuel, transportation and supply chain disruptions," the UN chief added.

With that in mind, he said, the Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, working with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Chamber of Commerce, continues engaging extensively with relevant parties to design and operationalize a mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz.

"For his part, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, remains actively engaged in the region, consulting closely with key stakeholders and continuing his outreach in support of a comprehensive and durable agreement."

Trump's announcement of Hormuz blockade plunged the already fragile ceasefire into further uncertainty.

Vice President JD Vance and the chief Iranian negotiator, Mohammad Ghalibaf, who met in Islamabad over the weekend, did not reach a deal to fully reopen the strait or conclusively end the war.

In this regard, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also urged the United States and Iran to remain committed to the ceasefire after both countries ended historic face-to-face talks..

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire,” Dar said in a press conference following the conclusion of the 21-hour marathon talks.

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