United Nations, March 25 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has escalated his diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Iran War by appointing a personal envoy on Wednesday to aid in the mediation process.

Guterres expressed optimism, stating that despite the conflicting views of the parties involved, "there remains a pathway for them to reach an agreement to conclude this devastating conflict".

The current state of diplomacy aimed at resolving this conflict, which has persisted for four weeks, is unclear.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that negotiations with Iran are progressing, while Tehran refutes these claims, asserting that the US is merely "negotiating with itself".

Reports indicate that Washington has communicated a 15-point strategy via intermediaries to resolve the conflict, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio joining Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in the discussions.

Trump has not disclosed the identity of the Iranian figure described as the "most respected" with whom they are supposedly negotiating.

Amid these diplomatic initiatives, Israel continued its military operations against Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran targeting Gulf nations.

In response, Trump dispatched paratroopers to bolster US military presence in the area.

Guterres cautioned, "The world is facing the threat of a broader conflict, an escalating humanitarian crisis, and a significant global economic downturn".

However, he conveyed a glimmer of hope, stating, "Mediators are actively engaged and have offered their services to assist".

His Personal Envoy Jean Arnault will be working directly on the ground, while Guterres aims to facilitate efforts from New York. "He will make every effort to support mediation initiatives and peace efforts, engaging with all involved parties," the UN chief informed reporters.

"I have maintained close communication with those I believe can help in bringing an end to this dreadful conflict," he noted.

Guterres added, "This conflict is inflicting significant suffering on civilians both regionally and globally, with repercussions on the global economy that could severely affect less developed nations".

He warned that such a scenario would hinder the UN's development objectives.

In his message to the US and Israel, he asserted, "It is imperative to conclude this war—human suffering is escalating, civilian casualties are increasing, and the global economic fallout is becoming increasingly alarming."

He urged Iran to "cease attacks on neighboring countries that are not involved in the conflict," referencing the Security Council's condemnation of Iran’s assaults on Gulf states and other non-combatant nations.

"We must halt the escalation and begin climbing the diplomatic ladder, adhering to international law," he emphasized.

With over 40 years of diplomatic experience, Arnault has served as Guterres’ envoy on Afghanistan and regional matters, equipping him with insights into the Iranian situation.

Arnault, a French national, has also represented Guterres in diplomatic endeavors concerning Colombia and Bolivia.