In Islamabad, Guterres called for an end to the US-Iran conflict

“From Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties,” António Guterres told reporters in the capital.

“End the conflict. Back to diplomacy. Fully restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.”

Regional escalation

This crisis began in late February after a joint US-Israel attack on Iran.

In response, Tehran launched counterattacks against targets in the Gulf states and Jordan, and blocked transit through the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint.

Maritime corridors are vital for global trade in crude oil, fertilizer and liquefied natural gas. Hundreds of ships and their crews were trapped at sea for months.

Meanwhile, fighting has spread to Yemen’s Red Sea coast where Iran-backed Houthi forces are fighting Government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, for control of the crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Pakistan’s ‘crucial role’

The Secretary General saluted Pakistan for its leadership in helping create conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran.

“Your efforts helped realize the June 17 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the subsequent ceasefire, and the framework for further negotiations,” he said, adding that “every Pakistani should be proud of this important role.”

Addressing the broader issue, Mr Guterres said that “there will never be peace in the region until the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is fully realized – as Pakistan has long fought for.”

He expressed hope for regional peace and prosperity, “based on dialogue and cooperation.”

The Secretary General praised Pakistan for being a “source of solidarity and solutions.”

For decades, the country has sheltered millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability, and he underscored the UN’s commitment to working with Pakistan to ensure that their return is voluntary, safe and dignified.

He recalled that Pakistan had served as a member of the UN Security Council for the last two years.

“At a time of increasing division and distrust across the world, Pakistan is highlighting the value of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy,” he said.

Guterres added that Pakistan is also one of the largest and greatest contributors to UN peacekeeping. He paid tribute to more than 180 Pakistani blue helmets who “gave their lives for peace.”

Pakistan and Denmark also led UN Security Council resolution 2823, which strengthens accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.

He noted that 153 countries co-sponsored the document, making it “the largest number of co-sponsors of a Security Council resolution in UN history.”

The Secretary General also acknowledged the “extraordinary suffering” Pakistan is experiencing due to the deadly terrorist attack.

Guterres closed his speech by discussing the climate crisis, and recalled that his last visit to Pakistan occurred during the 2022 flood disaster.

Climate action leader

“Pakistan is at the forefront of tackling climate chaos despite accounting for only a small portion of global emissions.he said, but “they are also on the front lines of the response.”

He pointed to the country’s leadership in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund, and the country’s accelerating clean energy transition.

The UN Secretary General used this opportunity to again call on developed countries to take the lead in ensuring a “drastic reduction” in global emissions this decade.