GENEVA — The top human rights official at the United Nations on Monday expressed strong support for the newly announced peace agreement between the United States and Iran, urging all parties across the region to exercise caution as the deal takes shape.
“I welcome the announcement that the United States and Iran have agreed on a peace deal that provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for further negotiations,” said UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
Turk added, “At this fragile moment it is clear all sides need to exercise maximum restraint and work to implement the agreement reached quickly and in good faith.”
His statement followed word from both U.S. and Iranian officials that the two countries had reached an agreement to end their ongoing conflict and restore access through the Strait of Hormuz. While described as a preliminary pact, the announcement was enough to push oil prices lower. The future of Iran’s nuclear program, however, remains a subject for future negotiations.
Though still considered a framework agreement, the deal represents the most significant step forward in resolving a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and thrown global energy markets into turmoil since it began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran back in February.
Beyond the US-Iran situation, the UN rights chief also expressed serious concern about Israeli military strikes targeting populated areas and infrastructure in Lebanon, as well as cross-border attacks carried out by Hezbollah. Turk called for an immediate halt to the fighting, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and thorough investigations into potential violations of international law by all parties involved.
