UNITED NATIONS August 17, 2026 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called on the United States and Iran to immediately resume negotiations aimed at achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to their ongoing conflict.
Speaking to reporters, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres’ position has remained consistent since the start of hostilities. “His message is the same, which he’s been delivering since the start, which is there is no military solution to this conflict,” Dujarric stated.
“He urges the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States to resume negotiations towards a peaceful and durable settlement as soon as possible, to avoid military action and as well to lower the rhetoric that we’ve been hearing in recent days,” the spokesman added.
The appeal comes as a 60-day negotiating window established under a June 17 memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran nears its end without a comprehensive agreement. That interim deal had provided for an immediate ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for broader talks on outstanding issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions.
Iranian officials have previously argued that the deadline has “lost its relevance” due to what they describe as violations by the United States. The UN chief’s latest remarks underscore his long-standing insistence that only diplomacy can prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
Guterres has repeatedly warned that a return to full-scale military confrontation would carry catastrophic consequences for the region, international security, and the global economy.
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