UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for U.S.-Iranian negotiations to continue, his spokesman said on Monday.
Although the negotiations hosted by Pakistan between the United States and Iran concluded without a deal on Sunday, the talks themselves represent a positive and meaningful step forward, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.
"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 towards renewed dialogue. 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. At the same time, the ceasefire must absolutely be respected, and all violations must cease," he said.
Dujarric said the secretary-general appreciates the recent mediation efforts by all parties, while also calling on the international community to support the promotion of dialogue and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution.
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, said Dujarric.
Disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already had a direct effect well beyond the immediate region, resulting in increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors, noted the spokesman.
The disruption of fertilizer and its ingredients further exacerbates 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, he said.
UN chief calls on US, Iran to continue talks
