The Strait of Hormuz: “No tolls, no discrimination,” UN chief urges all nations
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: As the ongoing West Asian war entered the third month on Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the immediate restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which both Iran and the US have ‘blocked.’
Tensions around the key chokepoint, the gateway to the world’s over 25 percent of crude and gas, have intensified in recent weeks, with disruptions affecting global trade and energy supply chains.
The narrow passage is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments.
Guterres on Monday called for the immediate restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that uninterrupted maritime movement is critical for global trade and economic stability amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, the media reported.
In a statement, he said, “Navigational rights & freedoms through the Strait of Hormuz must be respected. I appeal to the parties: Open the Strait. Let ships pass. No tolls. No discrimination. Let trade resume. Let the global economy breathe. Safe, unimpeded passage is an economic & humanitarian imperative.”
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly criticised Iran’s reported attempts to regulate or monetise vessel movement through the strategic waterway.
In an interview with Fox News, he warned that such measures would not be accepted by the United States and would amount to asserting control over an international passage.
“If what they mean by opening the Straits is ‘Yes, the straits are open as long as you coordinate with Iran. Get our permission, or we’ll blow you up and pay us.’ That’s not opening the Strait. That is an international waterway,” Rubio said, rejecting any move to normalise restrictions on access.
Earlier, during their telephonic conversation, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump emphasised the “urgent need” to restore maritime traffic through the strait.
According to the Starmer’s office, both leaders highlighted the potential economic consequences of prolonged disruption, including rising costs of living globally.
Their statement added that ongoing diplomatic and security efforts are underway to ensure freedom of navigation, including a joint initiative involving the United Kingdom and France following recent military planning discussions.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media Press TV reported that revenue from newly introduced transit fees for vessels passing through the strait has been deposited with the country’s central bank.
