Delegations led by US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held indirect talks in Oman, according to media reports.
This was the first time the sides met since last June, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. The talks come as the United States has built up forces, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, off the Iranian coast.
Reduce regional tensions
The Secretary General expressed his hope that the talks “will help reduce regional tensions and prevent a broader crisis”said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq in a note to correspondents.
Guterres also thanked countries in the region for their efforts in helping make the talks possible, and Oman for hosting them.
“The Secretary-General has consistently advocated for the reduction of tensions and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.. All concerns can and should be addressed through peaceful dialogue,” the note concludes.
Human Rights Office calls for investigation into killings of protesters
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday called for an investigation into alleged killings and other violations during recent protests in Iran.
Demonstrations broke out in late December after merchants in the capital, Tehran, took to the streets to express frustration over the collapse of the national currency, rising inflation and worsening living conditions.
This sparked anti-government protests that spread across the country, leading to widespread and deadly repression..
Authorities have released a list of the names of more than 2,900 people confirmed to have been killed, but “other sources suggest the total number is much higher,” OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva.
He said a full verification process remains “very difficult” due to several factors, including communications and internet outages.
“There must be independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all allegations of killings and serious human rights violations.”he said, while calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained.