The development follows weeks of tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and threats of a US military attack.

Delegations headed by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held indirect talks in Oman, according to media reports.

This marked the first time the sides had met since last June when the US and Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The talks come as the US has amassed forces including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, off the Iranian coast.

Reduce regional tensions

The Secretary-General expressed hope that the talks “will help reduce regional tensions and prevent a broader crisis,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a note to correspondents.

Mr. Guterres was also grateful to countries in the region for their efforts to help make the talks possible, and to Oman for hosting them.

“The Secretary-General has consistently advocated for de-escalation and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter. All concerns can and should be addressed through peaceful dialogue,” the note concluded.

Rights office calls for probe into killings of protesters

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, called on Friday for an investigation into alleged killings and other violations during the recent protests in Iran.

The demonstrations broke out in late December after shopkeepers in the capital Tehran took to the streets to voice frustration over the collapse of the national currency, soaring inflation and worsening living conditions.

This triggered anti-government protests which spread nationwide, resulting in a deadly and widespread crackdown.

Authorities have released a list of the names of more than 2,900 people confirmed to have been killed, but “other sources suggest that the total number is much higher,” OHCHR Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told journalists in Geneva.

He said a full verification process remains “very difficult” due to several factors including the shutdown of communications and the internet.

“There must be independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all the allegations of killings and serious human rights violations,” he said, while also calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained.