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UN Chief Optimistic on US-Iran Talks Despite Stalemate, Calls for Dialogue

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed optimism about US-Iran negotiations, labeling the recent round a positive step despite ending in a stalemate. The talks, which lasted 21 hours, deadlocked primarily over Iran's nuclear program, with Iran proposing a five-year enrichment moratorium against a US demand for twenty years. Following the failed talks, the US imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian oil shipments, a move the UN says disrupts global trade and violates freedom of navigation. The UN spokesperson called for all parties to respect international law and continue constructive dialogue, with reports suggesting another round of talks may occur soon.

Key Points: UN Optimistic on US-Iran Talks Despite Stalemate Over Nuclear Deal

  • Talks ended without a breakthrough
  • US imposed Strait of Hormuz blockade
  • Iran proposed 5-year enrichment moratorium
  • UN stresses freedom of navigation
2 min read

Despite stalemate in US-Iran talks, UN chief expresses optimism, calls process 'peaceful and meaningful'

UN Secretary-General calls US-Iran talks "positive," urges continued dialogue despite stalemate on nuclear program and new US Strait of Hormuz blockade.

"a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue - Stephane Dujarric, UN Spokesperson"

United Nations, April 14

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed optimism for the negotiations between the US and Iran even though the round over the weekend ended in a stalemate, and called it "a positive and meaningful step".

"Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the Secretary-General calls on the talks to continue constructively for an agreement to be reached", his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.

"While no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue", he said.

US President Trump imposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, targeting Iranian oil shipments after the talks failed.

"The Secretary-General stresses that all parties to this conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law", Dujarric said.

"Freedom of navigation is based on international law and years and years of custom", he said. "We need the freedom of navigation to be restored fully by everyone".

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

The marathon 21-hour talks between the US team led by Vice President JD Vance, and Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ended early Sunday without a breakthrough.

Vance told Fox News on Monday that there had been "good conversations" and Iran showed some flexibility, but not enough.

Media reports in the US quoting officials said that another round of talks may be in the offing before the ceasefire ends on April 21.

The negotiations were stalemated mainly on Iran's nuclear programme.

According to media reports, Iran proposed a five-year moratorium on uranium enrichment as a compromise, to which the US responded with a demand that it be for 20 years.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Trump blocking the Strait of Hormuz immediately after talks fail is so reckless! This is why diplomacy feels pointless sometimes. It directly threatens global trade, and we in India feel the pinch immediately. The UN must push harder for de-escalation.
A
Aman W
Interesting to see Pakistan hosting these talks. Hope they are acting as a genuine neutral facilitator. The 5-year vs 20-year enrichment moratorium gap is huge. Seems like both sides are just posturing for now. Let's see if they meet again before the 21st.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the UN's hopeful tone, calling a 21-hour stalemate "positive and meaningful" feels a bit like spin. The US demand for a 20-year freeze seems designed to be rejected. Real diplomacy requires more realistic starting points from both sides.
V
Vikram M
The Strait of Hormuz is a global artery. Any blockade is an attack on the economy of every developing nation, including India. Our government should also voice strong concern at international forums. Energy security is non-negotiable for our growth.
K
Karthik V
At least they are talking. That's better than missiles flying. Hope the next round yields something concrete. The whole world is watching, especially countries like us who have good relations with both the US and Iran. Jai Hind.

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