United Nations chief Antonio Guterres calls for ‘full restoration’ of navigation rights
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern regarding the escalating restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for the “full restoration of international navigational rights and freedom of navigation”
By R Anil Kumar
NEW YORK, April 22, 2026. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern regarding the escalating restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for the “full restoration of international navigational rights and freedom of navigation”
The statement comes as tensions in the strategic waterway continue to disrupt global maritime stability. Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that there had been “a lot of activity” and “a lot of confusion” over the status of the strategic waterway.
UN chief is particularly troubled by various maritime incidents occurring over the last 48 hours. Dujarric emphasised that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz “needs to be respected by all parties”.
Beyond the immediate maritime security concerns, the UN has highlighted the severe humanitarian and economic repercussions of the ongoing volatility. Dujarric reiterated the international body’s stance that “there is no military objective that justifies the wholesale destruction of civilian infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of pain on a civilian population”.
The disruption is already manifesting in the global market, particularly affecting essential commodities. “About 10 percent or 10 to 12 percent of the world’s fertiliser supplies are blocked, right? We’ve seen a hike in the price of fertiliser, in the price of urea,” said Dujarric.
The spokesperson further warned that the rising cost of oil and fertilisers is hindering the operational capacity of international aid organisations. “All of that is having an impact on, first of all, on UN agencies, on their capacity to plan and buy,” Dujarric added, underscoring the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to ensure the stability of global supply chains.
