Islamabad: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, warning that continued fighting is creating wider consequences for international trade and regional stability.

Guterres made the appeal during his official visit to Pakistan, where he held discussions with senior Pakistani leaders about regional and international developments. The United Nations has stressed the need to move away from military confrontation and return to diplomacy.

The UN chief also highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and maintaining the normal movement of commercial shipping. Disruption to major maritime routes can have consequences far beyond the countries directly involved in a conflict, affecting energy supplies, transportation costs and international commerce.

Pakistan has played a role in creating conditions for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. During his meetings in Islamabad, Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and encouraged all sides to use available channels to pursue negotiations rather than further escalation.

The conflict has become a major international concern because of Iran’s strategic location and its links to important regional trade routes. Any prolonged disruption could increase uncertainty for businesses and governments that depend on stable international shipping and energy markets.

The UN’s position reflects a broader concern that military escalation could produce consequences extending well beyond the immediate battlefield. Higher transportation costs, interruptions to supply chains and instability in energy markets can place additional pressure on economies around the world.

Guterres has urged the parties involved to fully restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law. He has also emphasized the importance of returning to diplomatic negotiations as a way of preventing the conflict from becoming more difficult to resolve.

The diplomatic challenge remains substantial because the United States and Iran have sharply different positions on security, military operations and regional policy. Reaching a durable settlement would require sustained negotiations and commitments from the parties involved.

For the United Nations, the immediate priority is preventing further escalation while creating conditions in which diplomatic engagement can resume. International organisations and governments are also watching the situation because continued instability could affect humanitarian conditions and global economic activity.

Pakistan’s role could become increasingly important if diplomatic contacts expand. Islamabad has previously sought to facilitate communication between countries involved in regional disputes, and the UN has recognised its contribution to creating space for dialogue in the current crisis.

The coming diplomatic efforts will determine whether the current confrontation moves toward de-escalation or creates additional pressure on the Middle East and the global economy.

For now, the United Nations is urging all parties to step back from further military escalation, restore diplomatic engagement and protect international navigation. The appeal reflects growing concern that the consequences of the conflict could extend well beyond the United States and Iran.