UN rights chief urges immediate US-Iran ceasefire

UN rights chief urges immediate US-Iran ceasefire

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on the United States and Iran to agree to an immediate ceasefire, warning that the escalating conflict is putting millions of civilians and their fundamental rights at risk across the region.

According to international media reports, Türk expressed deep concern over the growing violence and its humanitarian consequences. He pointed to reports of attacks involving commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, continued airstrikes affecting civilian infrastructure, and damage to homes and public property in several countries as the conflict spreads beyond its immediate frontlines.

Türk stressed that all parties must respect international human rights and humanitarian law. He urged both sides to prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that military actions should never place innocent lives in greater danger.

He also warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have far-reaching consequences. As one of the world’s most important shipping routes, any disruption could trigger serious economic, humanitarian, and social challenges, affecting global trade, energy supplies, and regional stability.

Calling for an end to hostilities, the UN human rights chief said diplomacy remains the only sustainable path forward. He urged Washington and Tehran to return to dialogue, de-escalate tensions, and work toward a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and avoid a broader regional crisis.