United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday marked the "sad milestone of six months" of war between the United States and Iran, urging both parties to engage in "meaningful negotiations."
"We reiterate that the only solution to this is a diplomatic one. And we urge both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to engage in meaningful negotiations," said Guterres's spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, at his daily press conference in New York.
The spokesman also praised the diplomatic efforts of Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, among others, in seeking a resolution to the conflict, noting that Guterres "has maintained constant contact with all of them."
"What is clear and continues to concern the Secretary-General are the devastating humanitarian and economic consequences of this conflict, primarily for civilians in the region who, at different moments, have been bombed and had their civilian infrastructure destroyed," Dujarric added.
The spokesman also highlighted the global economic impact of the war on food supply, particularly as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's blockade of the critical waterway — through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas once flowed — has driven up the prices of fuel and fertilisers.
In this context, Guterres called this week for "cooperation and political will" to activate a UN-led mechanism that would facilitate fertiliser trade through the Strait of Hormuz. The mechanism had been announced in March but never entered into force.
Dujarric also recalled on Friday that Guterres's personal envoy to the conflict, Jean Arnault, remains available and in contact to help the parties and mediators reach a lasting solution.
"What is clear and continues to concern the Secretary-General are the devastating humanitarian and economic consequences of this conflict, primarily for civilians in the region who, at different moments, have been bombed and had their civilian infrastructure destroyed."
The war between the US and Iran reaches its six-month mark with Washington having failed to eliminate Iran's nuclear programme or trigger a regime change in Tehran. The conflict has left in its wake, among other consequences, a global energy crisis, worldwide repercussions for the cost of living, and a more unstable Middle East.
The war also represents a politically sensitive dilemma for President Donald Trump, who faces a test of congressional control in the November midterm elections.
"Operation Epic Fury" began on 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched a large-scale air offensive against Iranian military and nuclear facilities and leadership figures, resulting in several deaths, including that of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/08/30/mundo-en/medio-oriente-onu-assinala-seis-meses-de-guerra-entre-eua-e-irao-com-apelo-ao-dialogo/
