The UN chief calls on the US and Iran to hold de-escalation talks in Islamabad.

As negotiations mediated by Pakistan are scheduled to start in Islamabad over the weekend, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the US and Iran to interact in good faith.

During Friday’s routine lunchtime briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, his spokesperson told reporters that the UN chief urged the parties to take use of the diplomatic opportunity to promote de-escalation and avert a return to violence.

In accordance with international law and the UN Charter, Guterres emphasised that a peaceful settlement of the conflict is the only practical option.

It was noted that Jean Arnault, his personal envoy for the Middle East, is still in the area to assist ongoing diplomatic efforts.