UN chief calls Pakistan a trusted mediator between US and Iran

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday that Pakistan is a trusted mediator between the United States and Iran, speaking to reporters in Islamabad at the start of a three-day visit. He urged all parties to end the Middle East war and return to diplomacy.

Why does the UN chief call Pakistan a trusted mediator?

Guterres said Islamabad's mediation between Washington and Tehran, aimed at ending the war, showed Pakistan "is trusted and is trusted even by countries that are at odds with each other." He described Pakistan as a crucial mediator between the two sides.

What did Guterres tell the parties to the conflict?

Guterres told reporters: "I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy, fully restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law."

He added: "We can only wish that the efforts of Pakistan will go on and that they will be successful and will finally see peace in the Middle East."

What role has Pakistan played in the US-Iran war?

Pakistan brokered a June accord that led to a brief halt in fighting between the United States and Iran. The accord also set a roadmap for further agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and for negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program.

The United States and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28, killing Iran's leadership and demanding that it cease nuclear-related activities. Tehran's retaliatory strikes targeted Washington's Gulf allies and sent global energy prices soaring, plunging the Middle East into violence.

What was discussed at the Dar-Guterres meeting?

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Guterres discussed Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and counterterrorism in Islamabad on Tuesday. Dar stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective way to resolve disputes.

Dar said the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be resolved under relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He also briefed Guterres on Pakistan's position on the Indus Waters Treaty and on its diplomatic efforts, including the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran. Guterres praised Pakistan's work on negotiations, mediation and de-escalation.

What is on Guterres' schedule during his Pakistan visit?

Guterres is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Dar and military leadership during his Oct. 6-8 visit. Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir formally received him at Islamabad International Airport.

He will also visit the Islamabad headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to review peacekeeping and border-monitoring operations. He is also due to receive an operational briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority on Pakistan's climate adaptation efforts and disaster preparedness.

Why is Guterres visiting Pakistan now?

The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and Pakistan's efforts to mediate in the US-Iran conflict, mitigate its economic fallout and help restore open maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks also follow Pakistan's recent diplomatic protest over the killing of two civilians by Indian Border Security Force personnel in the Bedian Sector.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has said the visit reflects the country's commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter and the peaceful resolution of disputes.