According to media reports, delegations led by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held the discussions in Oman. The meeting marks the first engagement between the two sides since June of last year, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The renewed talks come amid a significant build‑up of US military assets in the region, including the deployment of a nuclear‑powered aircraft carrier off the Iranian coast.
In a statement read to correspondents, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the Secretary‑General hoped the dialogue would “help reduce regional tensions and prevent a broader crisis.” Guterres also expressed appreciation to regional governments for their efforts in facilitating the talks, and to Oman for hosting them.
“The Secretary‑General has consistently advocated for de‑escalation and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter. All concerns can and should be addressed through peaceful dialogue,” Mr Haq added.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has meanwhile called for an independent investigation into alleged killings and other violations committed during recent protests in Iran.
The demonstrations began in late December, sparked by shopkeepers in Tehran protesting the collapse of the national currency, rising inflation, and deteriorating living conditions. The unrest quickly spread across the country, evolving into wider anti‑government protests and prompting a forceful and deadly response from authorities.
Iran’s government has released a list of more than 2 900 people confirmed to have died, though “other sources suggest that the total number is much higher,” OHCHR Spokesperson Thameen Al‑Kheetan told reporters in Geneva. He noted that verifying casualty figures remains “very difficult” due to internet shutdowns, restrictions on communication, and limited access to affected areas.
“There must be independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all the allegations of killings and serious human rights violations,” Mr Al‑Kheetan said. He also urged the immediate and unconditional release of everyone arbitrarily detained during the unrest.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
