Guterres hails Pakistan's 'pivotal role' mediating US-Iran conflict at Islamabad press conference

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday lauded Pakistan’s “pivotal role” in mediating between the United States and Iran as he called on the parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy.

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guterres said: “Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is front and centre on issues of international peace and security. I salute Pakistan’s leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict.”

“Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” he said.

“What Pakistan has done in relation to the conflict in the Gulf, namely between the US and Iran, is a remarkable initiative,” the UN chief added, saying Islamabad’s credibility with countries at odds had helped create the conditions for negotiations and de-escalation.

From Islamabad, Guterres sent “a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law”. He added there would never be peace in the region until the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination was recognised.

Dar said Pakistan’s efforts had brought the United States and Iran to direct dialogue after 47 years. He also raised India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, urging New Delhi to stop “weaponising water”.

Guterres is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan from October 6–8, during which he will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.