As the 60-day period in the US-Iran negotiation timetable nears its end, the United Nations called on the two countries to resume talks on a comprehensive agreement.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ position had not changed. Dujarric said Guterres had stated that the conflict had no military solution and called on the US and Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to reach a peaceful and lasting agreement.
Dujarric also said that both sides should moderate their rhetoric, which has intensified in recent days. Guterres delivered the same message after the attacks by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28.
How the 60-day period was set
An understanding signed by the US and Iran in June gave the two countries 60 days to hold talks on a more comprehensive agreement. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the period had lost its significance in the negotiations held after the June 17 understanding because Iran argued that Washington had committed explicit violations.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire in April with the aim of ending the military conflict and reaching a lasting peace agreement, and signed an understanding in June. However, the agreement collapsed last month, and the US and Iran carried out reciprocal attacks for nearly two weeks.
US President Donald Trump abruptly halted the bombardment while efforts to revive the agreement were continuing. Dujarric was also asked about the latest meeting held in Israel between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump’s adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The UN spokesperson said he had no up-to-date information about the meeting.
Maria Nica / Editor
