The United Nations will continue to support all diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between the United States and Iran, restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and seeking a comprehensive, lasting solution to the Middle East conflict, a UN spokesperson said Wednesday.
Speaking at a daily briefing, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said the current priority is to help establish sustainable arrangements that ensure safe passage in the vital waterway.
"The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Middle East Conflict and its Consequences Jean Arnault is continuing his diplomatic consultations in the region. We remain committed to supporting all efforts aimed at a comprehensive and durable solution to this conflict," said Dujarric.
The UN is closely following the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Dujarric underscored. While the U.S. has claimed that hostilities with Iran are over, the spokesman noted that further clarity is still needed, though Wednesday saw no new military developments, something he called a positive sign.
"I think there's still a lot of clarity that needs to happen. Obviously, there are a lot of diplomatic activity ongoing. We saw the kinetic activity happened earlier this week, we didn't see anything today, which is a good sign, and again, our focus really is to ensure something that is sustainable, then that includes the freedom of navigation in the Strait," Dujarric said.
UN calls for sustained diplomacy, free passage in Strait of Hormuz: spokesman
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday dismissed reports that Israel was caught off guard by Washington's diplomatic moves toward Iran, saying that he is in near-daily contact with U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure full coordination.
"We are in continuous contact with our friends in the United States," Netanyahu said. "I speak with President Trump on an almost daily basis. My people and his people speak daily, including today," he said.
He added that he has a planned phone call with Trump again later Wednesday night.
Israel is "ready for all scenarios" in dealing with Iran, Netanyahu said, adding that Israel and the United States share the same goals, "with the most important goal being the removal of enriched material from Iran".
Israeli officials have voiced support for renewing attacks on Iran, claiming its nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile stockpiles remain a concern.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump issued a fresh ultimatum, telling Iran to accept a deal to end the war or face a new wave of bombing "at a much higher level and intensity than it was before".
On the same day, Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir toured southern Lebanon following fresh Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese targets, telling commanders they face "no limits" in operations against Hezbollah.
Zamir also framed the fighting along the border as part of a broader regional campaign, saying Israel remained prepared for wider operations across the Middle East, including potential action against Iran.
"In Iran, we have an additional series of targets ready to be struck," he said. "We are on high alert to return to a powerful and broad campaign that will enable us to deepen our achievements and further weaken the Iranian government."
Despite Lebanese calls to halt the attacks and a fragile ceasefire that took effect last month, Israeli strikes have continued.
Israel on Wednesday evening launched its first airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs since a ceasefire with Lebanon took effect in mid-April, Lebanon's TV channel Al-Jadeed reported.
Netanyahu says Israel fully coordinated with US on Iran, prepared for "any scenarios"
