UN Chief Guterres heads to Pakistan for U.S.-Iran mediation talks

October 05, 2026 (MLN): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is visiting Pakistan for four days to discuss Islamabad’s mediatory efforts in the U.S.-Iran conflict and its role in supporting negotiations between the two sides.

Antonio Guterres departed New York for Islamabad on Sunday night at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and other senior government officials, according to APP.

The UN chief has repeatedly acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East conflict, particularly its role in bringing the parties together and supporting negotiations that resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a ceasefire.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told APP that Guterres has seen Pakistan’s contribution to international peace and diplomacy over the years, including its role in UN peacekeeping and efforts to bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table.

Antonio Guterres had also called for renewed dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict after the breakdown of the ceasefire, during his final press conference ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly high-level debate last month.

The four-day visit will also include a visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where Guterres is expected to review Pakistan’s progress in disaster preparedness and resilience following the devastating monsoon floods of 2022.

Antonio Guterres will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Islamabad, which monitors the Line of Control in disputed Jammu and Kashmir.

The UN secretary-general last visited Pakistan in 2022 following the catastrophic floods that affected large parts of the country.

Antonio Guterres, who has completed two five-year terms as UN secretary-general, is scheduled to leave the position at the end of this year. He is expected to return to New York on Thursday.

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