UN chief urges diplomacy in US-Iran war, restoration of shipping rights
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to the conflict between the US and Iran to restore global shipping rights. He praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in facilitating recent negotiations and a ceasefire framework.
Why it matters
The conflict has significantly disrupted global trade routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
LONDON: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for an end to the US-Iran war and the restoration of freedom of navigation, warning of the conflict’s toll on global trade as he began an official visit to Pakistan.
“From Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties,” Guterres told reporters in the capital. “End the conflict. Return to diplomacy. Fully restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.”
The conflict began in late February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran responded with attacks on targets in Gulf countries and Jordan, and blocked transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for shipments of crude oil, fertilizers and liquefied natural gas.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in