UN CHIEF WARNS OF GRAVE CONSEQUENCES FROM HORMUZ ESCALATION

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint on Wednesday amid reports of escalating tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The warning cited reports of attacks on commercial vessels and threats against maritime and energy infrastructure in the region. Dujarric stated that navigational rights and freedom of navigation must be fully restored and respected under international law. Guterres called on parties involved to pursue diplomatic channels and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiations.

The UN Secretariat signalled its readiness to support efforts toward de-escalation and a durable settlement. Dujarric cautioned that escalation could have potentially grave consequences for civilians and the global economy. The Strait of Hormuz represents a critical shipping route for global energy supplies and international commerce. Disruption to shipping through the strait would affect multiple nations and sectors dependent on stable maritime trade.

Separately, consultations on a proposal to move grain through the Strait, led by UN project services chief Jorge Moreira da Silva, remained ongoing. Dujarric said the proposal remained "very much on the table", though he noted that progress depended on the willingness of involved parties to permit it. The UN Secretariat indicated it would continue efforts to support resolution of the escalating situation through diplomatic means.