Guterres hails U.S.-Iran deal as 'decisive for peaceful solution'

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has lauded the peace agreement reached between the United States and Iran, describing it as a "decisive step towards a peaceful solution of the conflict." The deal, announced Sunday, aims to end the war that began in February and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Guterres extended his "warmest congratulations" to both the U.S. and Iran for achieving a peace accord that features an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a structure for subsequent negotiations. He also expressed gratitude to Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other regional countries for their contributions to the diplomatic process.

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My warmest congratulations to the United States and Iran for having reached a peace agreement that includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for future negotiations.

The agreement, scheduled for official signing in Switzerland on June 19, includes the cessation of hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage that handled about 20% of global oil transit before the conflict. Since the war's outset on February 28, Guterres had consistently called for an end to the fighting, respect for negotiated ceasefires, and the full reopening of the strait, warning of severe humanitarian and economic consequences from its closure.

The conflict erupted after an offensive by the United States and Israel led to the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This triggered a regional escalation, involving Iranian attacks on Israel and countries hosting U.S. bases, and resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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a decisive step towards a peaceful solution of the conflict.