The United Nations has expressed support for the newly announced two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling on all involved parties to fully respect the agreement and adhere to international law as efforts begin to ease tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement delivered on Tuesday through the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, António Guterres, the UN said the pause in fighting offers an opportunity to protect civilian lives and reduce suffering in areas affected by the ongoing conflict.
“The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran,” the statement said.
The UN chief urged all sides to take the ceasefire seriously and use the period to move away from confrontation toward a more stable and lasting outcome.
“He calls on all 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 toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region,” the statement added.
The ceasefire comes at a time of continued concern over rising tensions in the region, where prolonged hostilities have raised fears about the safety and welfare of civilian populations.
The United Nations has consistently warned about the impact of conflict on civilians, especially in areas where fighting has persisted over time, leaving communities vulnerable and in need of protection.
In his remarks, António Guterres stressed the importance of ending violence without delay to prevent further harm to people caught in the conflict.
“The Secretary-General reaffirms that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering,” the statement said.
The UN also acknowledged the contribution of countries that played a role in bringing the ceasefire into effect. Among those recognized, Pakistan was specifically mentioned for its involvement alongside other nations that assisted in the diplomatic process.
“He expresses sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire,” the statement noted.
While full details of the agreement have not been made public, the truce is viewed as a possible opening for wider discussions aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further escalation in the region.
The United Nations cautioned that the effectiveness of the ceasefire will depend on whether all sides comply fully with its terms and commitments.
As part of ongoing efforts to support peace, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, is currently in the region engaging with relevant stakeholders.
“The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Jean Arnault is in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace,” the statement said.
The Middle East continues to draw global attention due to its history of conflicts involving regional and international actors, with such situations often carrying wider implications for global stability.
Analysts note that even a temporary halt in fighting can help reduce immediate risks and create space for dialogue between the parties involved.
The UN response reflects cautious optimism, pairing its support for the ceasefire with a reminder that maintaining it will require commitment and cooperation from all sides.
Attention now turns to whether the two-week truce will hold and whether it can serve as a foundation for further negotiations aimed at achieving a more durable peace.
For the United Nations, the priority remains clear: ensuring civilian protection, encouraging restraint, and supporting efforts that could lead to a long-term solution to the conflict.
