Guterres welcomes the resumption of talks between Iran and the US

The development follows weeks of tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the threat of a US military attack.

According to media reports, delegations led by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held indirect talks in Oman.

This was the first time the sides met since last June, when the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The talks come as the US has amassed troops, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, off the Iranian coast.

Reduce regional tensions

The Secretary-General expressed the hope that the talks “will help reduce regional tensions and prevent a wider crisis”, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a note to correspondents.

Mr Guterres was also grateful to countries in the region for their efforts to facilitate the talks and to Oman for hosting them.

“The Secretary-General has consistently advocated de-escalation and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter. All concerns can and should be addressed through peaceful dialogue,” the note said.

The Rights Office calls for an investigation into the killing of protesters

The UN Human Rights Office, OHCHRon Friday called for an investigation into alleged killings and other violations during the recent protests in Iran.

The demonstrations broke out in late December after shopkeepers in the capital Tehran took to the streets to express their frustration over the collapse of the national currency, rising inflation and deteriorating living conditions.

This sparked anti-government protests that spread across the country, resulting in a deadly and widespread crackdown.

Authorities have released a list of the names of more than 2,900 people confirmed killed, but “other sources suggest the total number is much higher,” OHCHR spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told journalists in Geneva.

He said a full verification process remains “very difficult” due to several factors, including the shutdown of communications and the internet.

“There must be an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of killings and serious human rights violations” he said, while also calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained.