UN Secretary General Guterres Praises Pakistan as Trusted US-Iran Mediator

Guterres & Ishaq Dar – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk)  – UN Secretary General Guterres on Tuesday praised Pakistan for acting as a trusted go-between for the United States and Iran. He said Islamabad’s good standing with both sides helped open the door to talks and eased tension in one of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.

He spoke at a joint press stakeout with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Guterres called Pakistan’s move on the Gulf conflict a remarkable step. He said the world needs countries that both sides can trust. In his view, Pakistan earned that trust, and it made peace talks possible.

He said these efforts led to the June 17 Islamabad memorandum of understanding, a ceasefire and a framework for future talks. He called Pakistan an important example of mediation at a time of deep global division.

Dar said Pakistan’s work brought the US and Iran into direct dialogue after 47 years. He described it as a humble but meaningful effort. He said it rests on sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference, self-determination and peaceful settlement of disputes.

The UN chief urged all parties to end the fighting and return to diplomacy. He also asked for full restoration of navigation rights and freedoms under international law.

Guterres warned that the wars in Ukraine and the Gulf must not hide the suffering of the Palestinian people. He said the death and destruction in Gaza are the worst he has seen in his time as secretary-general.

He called for an immediate end to the suffering and full implementation of the peace plan. He also voiced concern over violence and settlement decisions in the West Bank, which he said could harm the two-state solution.

Dar said Pakistan has always backed diplomacy for peace in Gaza. He recalled that Pakistan joined seven other Arab and Muslim countries in talks with US President Donald Trump. He said their only goal was peace in Gaza, and it helped shape a 20-point peace plan.

The deputy prime minister also raised Kashmir and welcomed the UN’s continued reference to Security Council resolutions. He said resolutions on Kashmir and Palestine remain unimplemented. He also criticised India for holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it a breach of international law, and asked New Delhi to stop “weaponising water.”

On Afghanistan, Guterres thanked Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees over several decades. He said the UN will work with Pakistan to make sure returns are voluntary, safe and dignified. Dar raised Pakistan’s concern over Afghan soil being used for attacks on Pakistan and asked for international help.

Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s own fight against terrorism. He said security concerns are valid, but security steps must follow international law, human rights and the rule of law.

Both leaders backed reform of the UN Security Council and global financial institutions. Guterres said the Council no longer reflects today’s world. He noted that three permanent members are European, while Africa has none. He also criticised the paralysis caused by divisions among the five permanent members.

He urged developing countries to get more development finance, debt relief and low-cost funding. Dar said the financial system built after World War II no longer fits current realities.

Guterres paid tribute to Pakistani peacekeepers, saying more than 180 have died serving international peace. He praised Pakistan and Denmark for leading Security Council Resolution 2823, which strengthens accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. He said 156 countries co-sponsored it, the highest number for any Council resolution.

On climate, he recalled his visit during the 2022 floods. He said Pakistan stays on the front line despite producing very little of global emissions. He urged the G20 to cut emissions sharply this decade and asked rich countries to keep their COP29 promises.