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UN Chief Welcomes US-Iran Talks in Pakistan, Urges Diplomatic Push

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the commencement of US-Iran talks in Islamabad, urging both parties to engage in good faith for a comprehensive agreement. His spokesperson emphasized there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The talks proceed as a temporary ceasefire remains strained by continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon's Hezbollah. A high-level Iranian delegation, including its foreign minister, has arrived in Pakistan to participate in the negotiations.

Key Points: UN Welcomes US-Iran Talks in Pakistan for De-escalation

  • UN chief welcomes Pakistan-hosted talks
  • Urges good faith for lasting deal
  • Ceasefire strained by Israel-Hezbollah clashes
  • Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad
  • No alternative to peaceful dispute settlement
2 min read

UN chief welcomes US-Iran talks in Pakistan: Spokesperson

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges good faith in US-Iran talks in Islamabad to secure a lasting agreement and prevent a return to hostilities.

"He calls on the parties to seize this diplomatic opportunity to engage in good faith toward a lasting and comprehensive agreement - Stephane Dujarric"

United Nations, April 11

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the US-Iran talks scheduled to start in Islamabad over the weekend, his spokesperson said.

"He calls on the parties to seize this diplomatic opportunity to engage in good faith toward a lasting and comprehensive agreement, with a view to deescalation and the prevention of a return to hostilities," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a daily briefing, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Secretary-General reiterates that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter," Dujarric said.

The UN chief's personal envoy for the Middle East conflict and its consequences, Jean Arnault, continues to be in the region to support diplomatic efforts, Dujarric added.

The temporary ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel was achieved early Wednesday, despite which Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon.

Meanwhile, a high-level Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in the upcoming talks with the United States, Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The delegation also includes Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

The United States and Iran are scheduled to begin negotiations on Saturday morning during the diplomatic window of a two-week conditional truce announced on Tuesday, more than one month after the start of US-Israeli joint military strikes on Iran.

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been strained as Israel continues striking Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf have stressed that stopping the attacks on Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good that talks are happening in Islamabad. But the real test is whether Israel will stop its attacks on Lebanon. The ceasefire seems fragile if one party keeps violating it. The UN needs to ensure all sides adhere to the agreement.
A
Aman W
While peace talks are welcome, India must watch this closely. Any major agreement between US-Iran will impact the geopolitics of our entire neighborhood. Our foreign policy should be proactive, not reactive. 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
The UN chief is right—there's no alternative to peaceful settlement. But words are easy. The international community, including India, must put real pressure to make this truce hold. The people of the region have suffered enough.
V
Vikram M
Interesting that Pakistan is hosting. Hope they play a constructive role for once. For India, the key concern is that any deal should not empower extremist proxies in our region. Our security cannot be compromised.
K
Kavya N
With respect to the UN's position, I feel they are often late to act. The ceasefire was already broken by continued attacks. Stronger, timely intervention is needed, not just welcoming statements after the fact. The credibility of international institutions is at stake.
D
David E
De-escalation is crucial for global markets.

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