UN Chief Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire, Calls for Compliance and Lasting Peace

New York, April 2026 : United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, urging all parties involved in the West Asia conflict to fully comply with international law and adhere strictly to the agreed terms.

In an official statement, Guterres emphasized the urgent need to end hostilities, stressing that continued conflict would only deepen humanitarian suffering. He underlined that the ceasefire presents a critical opportunity to protect civilian lives and reduce the growing human cost of the crisis.

“The cessation of hostilities is essential to protect lives and alleviate human suffering,” Guterres stated, while also expressing appreciation for countries that played a role in facilitating the temporary truce.

As part of the United Nations’ ongoing diplomatic engagement, Guterres noted that his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, is currently in the region to support dialogue and efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable and long-term peace settlement. The UN, he reiterated, remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the ceasefire evolves into a broader resolution of the conflict.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump announced a conditional two-week pause in planned military strikes against Iran. The decision, which was revealed shortly before a self-imposed deadline, is tied to the reopening of the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil and energy supplies.

According to statements from Washington, the pause in hostilities is contingent upon Iran ensuring the “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the Strait, which has been at the centre of recent tensions. The move has been widely viewed as a significant step toward de-escalation, offering a window for diplomatic negotiations.

Iran has indicated tentative acceptance of the arrangement. Its Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, stated that Tehran would halt its defensive operations if attacks against the country are stopped. He also assured that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be facilitated for the duration of the ceasefire, subject to coordination with Iranian armed forces.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Israel has also agreed to the temporary pause, though detailed terms of its involvement remain unclear.

Guterres urged all sides to seize this moment to prioritise diplomacy over confrontation. He called on nations to respect humanitarian principles, protect civilians, and work collectively toward a peaceful resolution.

As the ceasefire takes effect, the international community is closely watching whether this fragile truce can lay the groundwork for a more enduring peace in a region long marked by volatility and conflict.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)