United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to the United States-Iran war, emphasizing the devastating impact on global trade and stability. During a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Dar in Islamabad, Guterres urged all parties to return to diplomacy and fully restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law. His two-day visit to Pakistan aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address pressing global issues.
The conflict between the US and Iran began in late February, following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran responded with retaliatory attacks on targets in Gulf countries and Jordan, blocking transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global trade in crude oil, fertilisers, and liquefied natural gas. Hundreds of ships and their crews have been stuck at sea for months, exacerbating the crisis. Guterres' visit seeks to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Guterres praised Pakistan for its leadership in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran, which led to the June 17 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a subsequent ceasefire, and a framework for further negotiations. He saluted Pakistan for its pivotal role in creating conditions for dialogue, stating that every Pakistani should be proud of their country's efforts. This diplomatic breakthrough highlights Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and stability.
The UN Secretary-General also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that there will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is fully realised. Pakistan has long championed this cause, and Guterres expressed hope for regional peace and prosperity anchored in dialogue and cooperation. He praised Pakistan for being a source of solidarity and solutions, particularly in its efforts to shelter millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability.
Guterres acknowledged Pakistan's significant contributions to UN peacekeeping, with over 180 Pakistani blue helmets having made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. Pakistan and Denmark also led the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2,823, which strengthens accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. This resolution garnered 153 co-sponsors, making it the largest number of co-sponsors for a Security Council resolution in UN history.
The Secretary-General also acknowledged the immense suffering Pakistan has endured due to deadly terrorist attacks. He concluded by addressing the climate crisis, recalling his last visit to Pakistan during the catastrophic floods in 2022. Guterres noted that Pakistan is on the frontlines of climate chaos, despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global emissions. He called for developed countries to take the lead in ensuring a drastic reduction in global emissions this decade.
Guterres reiterated the importance of Pakistan's leadership in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund and its growing need for clean energy transition. He expressed appreciation for Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy, particularly during its tenure as a member of the UN Security Council. The UN chief's visit to Pakistan highlights the country's critical role in promoting regional and global peace.
Key points
- - UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for an end to the US-Iran conflict. - Guterres praises Pakistan for its leadership in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran. - The UN chief addresses the climate crisis, urging developed countries to reduce global emissions.
