The UN secretary general has called for talks between the US and Iran to get under way again after they failed to provide a resolution over the weekend.

“After weeks of destruction and distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict in the Middle East,” Antonio Guterres wrote on X.

“I call for resumption of talks for an agreement to be reached.”

Guterres went on to say that the ceasefire “must absolutely be preserved”.

“All violations must cease,” he added.

“All parties to the conflict must respect the freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.”

Pope’s position on Iran should come as no surprise, former Italy PM says

A former prime minister of Italy has criticised Donald Trump over his comments about the Pope.

As we reported earlier, Trump said the Pope has been speaking “very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran” (see 18:00 post).

Matteo Renzi told Sky’s lead world news presenter Yalda Hakim that the pontiff’s stance should come as no surprise.

“It’s normal for a pope, his job is to ask for peace,” he said.