UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the two-week ceasefire announced by the United States and Iran, his spokesperson said Tuesday in a statement.

"He calls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region," said his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a statement.

"The Secretary-General underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering," the statement said.

"He expresses sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire," it said, adding that the UN chief's personal envoy Jean Arnault is in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace.