UN Chief Urges Opening of Hormuz, No Tolls or Discrimination

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

In a statement, Guterres urged all parties to respect navigational rights and ensure uninterrupted passage

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for the immediate restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing its importance for global trade and economic stability.

In a statement, Guterres urged all parties to respect navigational rights and ensure uninterrupted passage, calling it an “economic and humanitarian imperative.” He appealed for the strait to be opened without tolls or restrictions so global trade can resume smoothly.

Meanwhile, Marco Rubio strongly criticised Iran over reported attempts to regulate or charge vessels using the waterway. Speaking to Fox News, Rubio warned that such actions would be unacceptable and undermine the status of an international passage.

Tensions around the Strait have escalated in recent weeks, disrupting global trade and energy supply chains. The narrow route remains one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, carrying a large share of global oil shipments.

Earlier, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump highlighted the urgent need to restore maritime traffic during a phone call, warning of wider economic consequences if disruptions continue.

According to the UK government, joint efforts involving United Kingdom and France are underway to safeguard navigation through the strait following recent military discussions.

At the same time, Iranian state media Press TV reported that revenue from newly introduced transit fees for ships passing through the strait has been deposited with the country’s central bank.

( Source : ANI )