File Photo: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. (Agence France-Presse)
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Thursday the framework Iran nuclear deal, saying it will help bolster peace and stability in the Middle East.
"A comprehensive, negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue will contribute to peace and stability in the region and enable all countries to cooperate urgently to deal with the many serious security challenges they face," Ban said in a statement from his spokesman.
Iran and world powers agreed on a framework for a historic deal aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear drive after eight days of talks in Switzerland.
Ban said the agreement, to be finalized by June 30, will put "substantial limits" on Iran's nuclear program and lead to a lifting of all sanctions.
The United Nations has slapped four sets of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear activities including a ban on transfers of sensitive technology and an arms embargo.
The agreement will also respect Iran's needs while providing assurances to the world that its nuclear activities are for peaceful use, Ban said.
The historic deal is seen in diplomatic circles as a game-changer, allowing Iran to step in from the cold of isolation and play a greater role in addressing world crises.
Iran is seen as a key player in resolving two of the worst conflicts now raging in the Middle East: Syria and Yemen.
Jordan's Ambassador Dina Kawar, whose country chairs the Security Council this month, described the Iranian deal as "good news."
"We hope it will open up other situations in our region," she said.