UN Chief Urges All Parties To Respect Freedom Of Navigation In Strait Of Hormuz
Key Takeaways
- Guterres urged all parties to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- UN called for continued US-Iran talks and adherence to international law.
- Strait of Hormuz channels roughly a fifth of global oil and gas flows.
UN Demands Hormuz Navigation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a forceful call for all parties to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Toggle Play UN urges ‘all parties’ to respect navigation in Strait of Hormuz Read more Stephane Dujarric says the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling on ‘all parties’ to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as the US military’s blockade of Iranian maritime traffic is in force”
The US military imposed a blockade on Iranian maritime traffic and Iran had already effectively halted flows through the critical waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil and gas flows, has become a key flashpoint.
Guterres' spokesman said disruptions have already had direct effect well beyond the immediate region.
The International Maritime Organization's head underscored that no state has the right to deny the right of peaceful passage.
20,000 Seafarers Stranded
Some 20,000 seafarers have been caught up in the conflict and are currently stranded on ships.
The blockade took effect on April 13 after US President Trump ordered it.
The blockade and Iran's prior closure of the strait have disrupted roughly 35% of global crude oil trade.
The UN warned that disruption of fertilizer is already having a very negative impact on agriculture.
UN Mediation and Regional Impact
Guterres thanked the continued efforts of mediators Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye.
“UN chief urges continued talks between US and Iran, respect for ceasefire, maritime law Antonio Guterres calls on all parties to respect freedom of navigation, including in Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law, says spokesman Diyar Guldogan 13 April 2026•Update: 13 April 2026 WASHINGTON The UN chief on Monday called for continued diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran, while urging all parties to respect an existing ceasefire and ensure compliance with international law, including maritime freedom of navigation”
His personal envoy Jean Arnault remains actively engaged in the region.
The UN Office for Project Services continues engaging with relevant parties to operationalize a mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade came after marathon talks hosted by Pakistan ended in stalemate.
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