13/04/2026
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13/04/2026
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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
UNITED NATIONS (AP), Apr 13: The Secretary-General of the United Nations has called on all parties to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway responsible for roughly 20% of global oil shipments.
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said António Guterres reiterated that freedom of transit through the strait is protected under international law, stressing that “no one should do anything that harms the freedom of navigation” in the strategic passage.
He added that the UN chief believes there is “no military solution” to the ongoing crisis following weeks of escalation, and welcomed recent US–Iran engagement as a “positive and meaningful step” toward renewed dialogue. Guterres also urged continued diplomatic efforts, including Pakistan-mediated talks, to maintain the ceasefire and pursue a longer-term agreement.
Meanwhile, maritime tracking data indicated disruptions in shipping activity near the strait, with at least two tankers reportedly reversing course shortly after approaching the area following the reported blockade announcement. One vessel had departed from the UAE’s Sharjah anchorage en route to China, while the destination of the second tanker remains unclear.
