United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on all parties to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, his spokesperson told journalists. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that Guterres 'stresses the need for all parties to the conflict to respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law,' without naming any specific country. Following the failure of direct talks in Pakistan between the United States and Iran, US President Donald Trump ordered a maritime blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. He threatened to destroy any Iranian military vessel violating the US blockade on this vital waterway, which Iran has practically closed almost completely since the beginning of the war. Dujarric also noted that 'we must not forget that about 20,000 seafarers are stranded in this conflict, on board ships facing increasing difficulties day by day,' also highlighting its impact on the global economy. He called on the parties to continue negotiations to resolve the conflict and demanded an end to all violations of the ceasefire.
