UN says US-Iran talks “highly likely” to resume
Secretary-General António Guterres urges continued diplomacy as ceasefire holds and signals grow of renewed negotiations in Pakistan
By Abdullahi Yusuf
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said there is a “highly probable” chance that negotiations between the United States and Iran will resume soon, expressing cautious optimism that diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region are continuing.
Speaking to reporters at UN headquarters, Mr Guterres said the indication from mediators was that talks were likely to restart, adding that sustained engagement was essential given the complexity of the dispute.
“It would be unrealistic to expect such a complex, long-standing problem to be resolved in the first session of a negotiation,” he said, stressing the need for continued dialogue between the two sides.
He also confirmed that he had met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, praising Islamabad’s role in facilitating contact between Washington and Tehran.
The comments come as efforts continue to preserve a fragile ceasefire brokered earlier this month, with roughly one week remaining on the current arrangement.
US President Donald Trump separately told the New York Post that further movement in talks could be expected within days, suggesting Washington was increasingly open to renewed engagement in Islamabad, which has emerged as a key venue for indirect diplomacy.
Mr Trump also praised Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing him as playing a “great job” in facilitating discussions.
Diplomatic sources in the Gulf, Pakistan and Iran have indicated that negotiating teams could return to Pakistan later this week, although Iranian officials say no formal date has yet been agreed.
The ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan on 8 April, remains in place but continues to face pressure from unresolved disputes, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, Iran has asserted tighter control over maritime movement in the Strait, while the United States has maintained a naval presence in the region to secure commercial shipping lanes.
Despite continuing tensions, recent diplomatic signals have helped ease pressure on energy markets, with benchmark oil prices falling below $100 earlier this week.
As mediators work to keep both sides engaged, the UN’s latest comments reflect growing international concern that the current pause in fighting remains fragile, but still capable of evolving into a more sustained negotiation process.
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