The United Nations (UN) has expressed satisfaction with ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran regarding a potential ceasefire agreement. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric addressed the matter during a regular media briefing, responding to an inquiry about remarks made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan concerning an agreement on the final text of a peace deal to end a conflict exceeding 100 days.
Dujarric stated, “We have seen that statement. We have also seen the statements from the President of the United States yesterday.” He noted that the UN was refraining from commenting further, considering the delicate nature of the situation and previous instances where agreements were close. “However, we are pleased with the general tone of what we are hearing,” he added.
Pakistan had been mediating in the conflict that erupted in late February following the bombing of Iranian military and nuclear sites by the US and Israel, leading to retaliatory attacks by Tehran against US targets in the Gulf region.
Far-Reaching Consequences
The crisis, repeatedly condemned by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, is part of a broader conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf. This has paralyzed maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which approximately a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade, significant volumes of liquefied natural gas, and fertilizers are transported.
This disruption to supply chains has caused ripple effects across the region and globally. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that a severe global food price crisis could be triggered within six to twelve months.
Thousands of sailors remain stranded on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with some ships subjected to deadly fire. To date, 14 sailors have lost their lives, with three deaths reported this week.
In March, the Secretary-General appointed seasoned French diplomat Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to address the Middle East conflict and its ramifications. Arnault is actively engaged with various delegations. The UN Secretary-General has also established a dedicated Task Force to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
