Iran and Iraq agree to UN-sponsored direct talks

Velayati asked for an immediate expert mission after the reported Oshnavieh chemical attack, stressing that evidence remained available and requesting unequivocal Council condemnation.

The head of the UN technical team submitted a report to Pérez de Cuéllar. Its assessment helped prepare arrangements needed before a ceasefire date could be fixed.

Iraq transmitted its military spokesman’s denial of Iran’s Oshnavieh chemical-bombing allegation and accused Tehran of using it to obstruct peace negotiations. The denial was an Iraqi position.

Council members informed the secretary-general that new chemical-weapons allegations should be investigated, prompting another mission after Iran’s Oshnavieh complaint.

Saddam Hussein said Iraq was prepared to settle the conflict if Iran agreed to direct negotiations after a truce. The exchange followed Iran’s acceptance of Resolution 598 and preceded UN-sponsored...

UN specialists began a three-day investigation in Iran, examining patients and chemical evidence related to Oshnavieh after the Council’s request for a new inquiry.

After visiting Oshnavieh, the UN team discussed and evaluated its survey findings in Tehran and met Foreign Ministry officials, assessing evidence before laboratory work and reporting.

Samples collected during the Oshnavieh survey reached Umea’s laboratory. The subsequent analysis identified mustard in the air sample and traces in a soil sample, supporting the technical evidence.

Aghazadeh said Iran would continue a pipeline project intended to reach beyond Hormuz despite peace negotiations. Export-route security remained a priority as the war approached a ceasefire.

The Secretary-General issued a further report on investigations into chemical weapons allegations in the Iran–Iraq conflict. It appeared one day before the ceasefire took effect.