UN chief hails Pakistan's 'pivotal role' in US-Iran conflict, calls for 'return to diplomacy'

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised Pakistan's influential role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, urging the two nations to conclude their conflict and resume diplomatic efforts. During a joint press conference with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Guterres commended Pakistan's leadership in establishing conditions for dialogue and mediation in the US-Iran conflict, resulting in the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, a ceasefire, and a framework for future negotiations.

Guterres emphasized the importance of ending the conflict and reverting to diplomacy, reiterating that peace in the region cannot be achieved until the Palestinian people's right to self-determination is acknowledged, as Pakistan has consistently advocated for. In a separate meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Guterres referred to Pakistan's diplomatic endeavors aimed at promoting dialogue and de-escalation, including the successful facilitation of the Islamabad talks between the US and Iran.

During his two-day official visit to Pakistan, Guterres is set to engage with top Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The visit aims to recognize Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism, international peace, and security, as well as its contribution to disaster preparedness and early warning systems.