UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations hopes for the resumption of talks between the United States and Iran and the extension of the current ceasefire, a UN spokesman said Tuesday.

"Our firm hope is that the dialogue between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran will resume, that the ceasefire will be extended, and that diplomacy will be fully enacted," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Guterres and his personal envoy for the Middle East conflict and its consequences, Jean Arnault, continue to engage in various communications, Dujarric said at a daily press briefing.

The two-week US-Iran ceasefire will expire on Wednesday.