A UN envoy visits Iran to advance efforts to reach a permanent and comprehensive solution to the conflict

The Personal Envoy welcomed the agreement brokered by Pakistan and other partners, including the temporary ceasefire, which opens the way for diplomacy to move towards ending the war.

According to a press note issued by the Office of the United Nations Spokesman, Mr. Arnault will hold consultations with Iranian interlocutors to obtain their views on the way forward, and will also reaffirm the Secretary-General’s commitment to make every effort to support a peace settlement.

The Personal Envoy expressed confidence that all leaders – in line with United Nations Charter And international humanitarian law – they will choose the path of a peaceful solution and the protection of civilians, rather than continuing the conflict.

Hope to alleviate suffering

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it hoped the ceasefire would provide a much-needed break to people across the region – including frontline responders – following six weeks of intense hostilities.

OCHA stated that these hostilities claimed many lives and caused devastating damage to civilian infrastructure, including electricity, water, power and transportation facilities.

The United Nations and its partners, in coordination with the authorities in Iran, continue to expand their response to provide assistance to refugees and others in the areas of health, water and sanitation, food and shelter.

OCHA explained that priority needs include restoring basic services, protecting vulnerable groups, renovating shelters and schools, and providing vital supplies.

An international welcome to the announcement of a ceasefire

🔹United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran.

He called on the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law, and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.

🔹United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk expressed his hope that the ceasefire announcement would alleviate the suffering of all civilians who have suffered for weeks and are still exposed to major risks.

He urged all parties to act in good faith and ensure that this first step is translated into a comprehensive agreement. He also stressed the need to end “the pain and suffering caused by the war in Lebanon.”

He said on the X website that achieving lasting regional peace, protecting human rights, and respecting international law are indispensable.

🔹George da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, also welcomed the ceasefire announcement. He said that the war caused massive destruction to civilian infrastructure, including bridges, roads, schools and medical facilities.

He stated that the effects are very wide, and that millions outside the region are struggling with rising prices of basic commodities and to obtain food, fuel and medicine.

He stressed the need for the ceasefire to hold to pave the way for a longer-term political solution that achieves stability and lasting peace for people across the Middle East.