New York, April 13 (Petra) -- The United Nations stated on Monday that weeks of widespread destruction have proven there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, calling instead for sustained diplomatic engagement.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement that while no formal agreement was reached during recent talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves signaled a "positive and meaningful step" toward resuming a broader dialogue.

"Given the depth of existing differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight," Dujarric said. He added that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both parties to continue negotiations in a constructive spirit to achieve a lasting settlement.

The United Nations emphasized the necessity of maintaining an absolute ceasefire and called for an immediate end to all hostilities. Dujarric further underscored that all parties to the conflict must respect the freedom of navigation, specifically within the Strait of Hormuz, in strict accordance with international law.

//Petra// AF