Brussels [Belgium], April 17 : United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Iran's announcement declaring that the Strait of Hormuz has been completely opened for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ongoing ceasefire, describing it as a positive step towards easing tensions in the region.
In a post on social media platform X, Guterres underlined the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and maintaining stability in one of the world's most critical maritime corridors for global energy and trade flows. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is considered a strategic chokepoint for international shipping.
Reacting to the development, the UN chief said it could contribute to building confidence among the concerned parties and support diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation. He also stressed that the United Nations continues to insist on unrestricted maritime access in the region in line with international law.
In his post, Antonio Guterres wrote, "I welcome Iran's announcements that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire. This a step in the right direction.
The @UN position remains clear: we need the full restoration of international navigational rights & freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, respected by everyone.
I also hope that, together with the ceasefire, this measure will contribute to creating confidence between the parties and strengthen the ongoing dialogue facilitated by Pakistan."
The remarks come amid broader international efforts to sustain the ceasefire framework and reduce the risk of further escalation in the region. The United Nations has repeatedly called for restraint from all sides, urging stakeholders to prioritise diplomatic channels over confrontation.
Guterres also highlighted the role of ongoing dialogue mechanisms, noting that such steps, when combined with ceasefire arrangements, can help create a more conducive environment for trust-building between the concerned parties. He expressed hope that the recent development would support continued diplomatic engagement facilitated by Pakistan, which has been involved in encouraging communication between regional stakeholders.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive maritime routes globally, with a significant share of the world's oil shipments passing through it. Any disruption in its operations has historically triggered concerns over global energy security and market stability.
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