UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced deep concern over ongoing restrictions and rising maritime tensions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said that in the past 48 hours there had been significant activity and confusion in the area. Guterres emphasized that all parties must respect international freedom and rights of navigation in the strait and expressed concern over recent maritime incidents.

The United Nations reiterated that no military objective can justify widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure or deliberate suffering of civilians. Dujarric noted that the situation has already begun to affect global supply chains, with about 10 to 12 percent of fertilizer shipments disrupted, leading to higher prices for urea and other fertilizers. Oil prices have also risen.

He added that the disruption is impacting the UN’s planning and procurement capacities, complicating humanitarian assistance operations worldwide.