UN chief calls on U.S., Iran to continue talks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on U.S.-Iranian negotiations to continue, said his spokesman on Monday.



While no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.



"Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the secretary-general calls on the talks to continue constructively for an agreement to be reached," he said.



After weeks of destruction and distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict, said the spokesman.



At the same time, the ceasefire must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease, said Dujarric.