Geneva [Switzerland], August 25 (ANI): With regional conflicts putting global trade routes at risk, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for strict adherence to international law and an immediate halt to attacks targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
In a post on X, he said, “Conflicts in different regions are choking arteries of global trade & squeezing the global food system. Navigational rights & freedoms are vital for international peace & security & the flow of essential goods.”
He noted that conflicts have put the security situation around the Black Sea, the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea at risk and appealed for full respect for international law, including the law of the sea and international humanitarian law, along with protection for civilian shipping, infrastructure and civilian seafarers.
Urging all parties to uphold navigational rights and freedoms, Guterres called for an immediate end to attacks against commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the Black Sea.
Guterres also urged the full restoration and respect of navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz and an end to attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and around Bab al-Mandab.
The situation continues to remain volatile across key global transit routes.
On Monday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a warning after the master of an oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile near Ash Shishah, Oman. While investigations remain underway, the agency advised vessels to transit with caution.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command reiterated claims regarding the American blockade against Iran. In a post on X, CENTCOM said that as of Monday, its forces had “redirected 71 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure compliance.” It added that more than 40 vessels carrying humanitarian aid had been allowed to pass.
The US military said American forces aboard the USS George H.W. Bush remain vigilant and ready to enforce the US blockade against Iran.
Meanwhile, Washington continues to impose economic measures on Iran as the conflict extends into its sixth month.
The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels over their alleged links to Iran’s military activities, procurement networks, and petroleum and petrochemical trade under “Operation Economic Outcast.” (ANI)
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