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According to CCTV, the United Nations (UN) called on the United States (US) and Iran to return to diplomacy in order to end the conflict between the two countries, which has been ongoing for nearly six months.

The UN warned that the conflict has caused severe humanitarian and economic consequences extending far beyond the region, stressing that a solution can be achieved through diplomatic means.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, made remarks at a press briefing on the stalled diplomatic process between the US and Iran.

Dujarric said it was regrettable that the ongoing conflict had passed the six-month mark and stated that diplomacy was the only path to a solution. Dujarric called on both the US and the Islamic Republic of Iran to engage in meaningful negotiations.

Dujarric said the UN strongly supports the mediation efforts led by Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Noting that UN Secretary-General Guterres is in close contact with these countries, Dujarric said diplomatic initiatives are important for bringing the conflict to an end.

Dujarric warned that a continued diplomatic deadlock would not only increase the suffering of civilians but also deepen the pressure the conflict places on the global economy.

Dujarric said bombardments carried out at different stages of the conflict had damaged civilian infrastructure, adding that alongside the humanitarian consequences, the global economic impact had also reached serious levels.

Dujarric said the effects of the conflict have spread far beyond the region, disrupting global food supplies, humanitarian aid deliveries and fertilizer shipments. Pointing also to rising energy prices, Dujarric said the world’s most economically vulnerable countries have been severely affected by the conflict.

Dujarric said the mechanism concerning the Strait of Hormuz, which is critically important for global energy trade, is also being closely monitored.

Confirming that a UN task force is continuing consultations with the relevant parties, Dujarric said the framework that has been established could technically be activated relatively quickly, but its implementation requires the approval of all countries concerned.

The US and Israel launched military attacks against Iran on February 28. Iran, in retaliation, targeted Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region.

Following the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, which is strategically important for global energy trade, was largely obstructed, causing serious disruptions in shipments of oil and other commodities.

On June 18, the US and Iran had signed a memorandum of understanding providing for negotiations to be held within 60 days with the aim of reaching a final agreement between the two countries.

However, following a renewed rise in tensions between the two countries, the future of the negotiations remains uncertain. The UN is reiterating its call for the parties to return to the diplomatic process and continue meaningful negotiations.