Source: UN News: Thursday, 16 April 2026 00:01 AM
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Iran and the US to continue talks to end the war that broke out several weeks ago. He again reiterated on Monday that there is no military solution to this violent conflict. Last weekend, talks were held between representatives of the United States and Iran in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, but no result was achieved. UN chief’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement issued on behalf of the Secretary-General that although no agreement has been reached, this discussion shows the seriousness of their mutual contact. At the same time, a positive and meaningful step has been taken towards starting the dialogue afresh. Tweet URL
“Since no agreement can be reached overnight due to deeply entrenched differences, the Secretary-General has called for constructive negotiations to continue to reach an agreement.” “At the same time, the ceasefire must be preserved at all costs. All violations must stop.” Concern for the stranded sailors The UN chief thanked Pakistan and the other mediating countries – Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey – and asked the international community to support their efforts. He stressed that all warring parties must respect freedom of movement in accordance with international law, including in the Strait of Hormuz. This important sea waterway is located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the south of Iran. Meanwhile, America has announced a blockade of ships entering and leaving Iran’s ports, which has started on Monday. About 20 thousand seafarers are stranded on ships in the Persian Gulf and they are facing difficulties every day. International Maritime Organization (IMO) chief Arsenio Dominguez on Monday addressed a meeting called to discuss the growing security risks on sea routes. He said it would be easy for anyone to imagine a situation where you are stranded on a ship and unable to move for a month. “There is always the worry that your luggage will run out. There is also the constant threat that a ship may be targeted or attacked, putting the lives of seafarers at risk.” © UNHCR/Houssam Hariri Disruption to maritime trade In normal times, 35 per cent of the world’s total supply of crude oil, or about 20 million barrels, 30 per cent of fertilizer and 20 per cent of liquefied natural gas, passes through the Strait of Hormuz every day. But the disruption to maritime trade has had a direct impact on the region and beyond, worsening the global economic situation and rife with insecurity in many sectors. The UN has warned that the disruption in the supply of fertilizers and other materials has worsened the situation for millions of vulnerable people around the world. The cost of living is rising due to difficulties in fuel, transportation and supply chains. Against this background, contacts and discussions are being held with all parties on the composition and functioning of the recently appointed UN Task Force on the Strait of Hormuz, as well as on the Middle East violent conflict. UN Secretary General Jean Orna, the UN’s personal envoy, is in consultation with all stakeholders and is striving for a comprehensive and permanent agreement.
