UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday welcomed the peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a “critical step” towards ending months of conflict that destabilised West Asia, disrupted global energy supplies and shaken the world economy.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres said the agreement, which provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for further negotiations, offered a crucial opportunity to move towards a lasting settlement.
The UN chief expressed “deep appreciation” for the efforts of Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other regional countries that supported the negotiations.
He voiced hope that the parties would build on the momentum generated by the agreement and “redouble their efforts” to secure a comprehensive resolution to the crisis.
Guterres also reiterated the United Nations’ readiness to assist the diplomatic process and support efforts aimed at achieving a “durable and comprehensive peace”.
The agreement marks a significant breakthrough after nearly four months of hostilities that began in late February following US and Israeli strikes across Iran. Tehran subsequently launched attacks against Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, triggering a wider regional confrontation.
The fighting led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass.
Although a ceasefire was agreed in April, tensions persisted, with Washington and Tehran exchanging intermittent strikes, including two rounds of tit-for-tat attacks earlier this week.
Hours before welcoming the agreement, Guterres had condemned Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, saying they had occurred despite an existing ceasefire and at a time when diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran appeared close to a breakthrough.
In a separate statement, the Secretary-General warned that the conflict was having a “devastating impact” on the global economy and urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint”.
The crisis in Lebanon formed part of the broader regional turmoil that erupted on March 2, shortly after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, with Hezbollah opening another front against Israel.
The US-Iran agreement announced on Monday provides for an immediate halt to military operations, the lifting of the American naval blockade and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on June 19.
The accord is being seen as one of the most consequential diplomatic breakthroughs in West Asia in recent years and is expected to ease pressure on global energy markets while reducing the risk of a wider regional war.
