UN chief lauds Pakistan, regional mediators on US-Iran deal

Saturday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres lauded the US-Iran peace deal with its permanent ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a “critical step” towards settling the war in the Middle East on Sunday.

“The Secretary-General hopes that the parties will build on this new momentum and redouble their efforts towards a final resolution of the conflict,” said Guterres in a statement attributed to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

The Secretary-General also expressed “deep appreciation for the constructive role played by Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other regional countries in supporting the negotiations that led to the peace deal,” the statement stated.

It added: “The Secretary-General reaffirms that the United Nations stands ready to support the parties in achieving a durable and comprehensive peace.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says an agreement has been reached between the US and Iran.

“AFTER EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN HAS BEEN REACHED,” he posts on X.Both parties have announced the immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

US President Donald Trump has confirmed Pakistan’s news that the US and Iran have achieved a deal.“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now dead,” he says on Truth Social.”I hereby fully authorise the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and at the same time I authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade,” he says.