The United Nations (UN) has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran regarding a potential ceasefire agreement. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric made these remarks when questioned about the Pakistani Prime Minister’s statement indicating an agreement on the final text of a peace deal to end the conflict, which has surpassed 100 days. Dujarric acknowledged, “We have seen this statement. We have also seen the statements from the US President yesterday.” Citing the sensitivity of the situation and previous near-agreements, the UN will refrain from official commentary for now. “We are encouraged by the general tone of what we are hearing,” Dujarric stated.
Pakistan had assumed a mediation role in the war that began in late February following bombings of Iranian military and nuclear facilities by the US and Israel, and continued with Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on US targets in the Gulf region.
Wider Ramifications
This crisis is part of a broader conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf region, which UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly condemned. The crisis has paralyzed maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which approximately a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade, significant amounts of liquefied natural gas, and fertilizers are transported. This disruption has had repercussions both regionally and globally. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently issued a warning, cautioning that the situation “could create a serious global food price crisis within six to 12 months.”
Thousands of sailors remain stranded on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with some vessels subjected to fatal fire. To date, 14 sailors have lost their lives, with three additional deaths reported this week. In March, the Secretary-General appointed veteran French diplomat Jean Arnault, experienced in Middle East conflicts and their consequences, as his Personal Envoy to engage with various delegations. The UN leader also established a dedicated Task Force to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
