Tokyo, Japan – UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the international community and regional actors to immediately and comprehensively halt all ceasefire violations in the Middle East, stressing that this step is the only essential pillar capable of enabling the conflicting parties to reach a sustainable and comprehensive political solution that ends the bloody conflict and escalating tensions that are plaguing the region and affecting global stability as a whole.
The demand to open the Strait of Hormuz and secure global trade
In a decisive press statement, the UN Secretary-General stressed that “it is absolutely essential to restore freedom of navigation and trade in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas immediately and without delay,” noting that the continued closure of the strait or threats to shipping pose a direct threat to global energy security. Guterres added that the top priority now must be ending all hostilities and creating the appropriate diplomatic conditions for a just political settlement to the conflict that guarantees the rights of the people and protects vital waterways.
Geopolitical divisions and violations of international law
Speaking directly to journalists and the media during his current official visit to Japan, Guterres expressed his deep concern about the current international landscape, explaining that the widening gap of deep mistrust and the sharp rise in the intensity of geopolitical divisions between major powers are directly hindering the finding of effective and serious diplomatic solutions to current crises.
In a tone laden with criticism and warning, the Secretary-General noted that “many countries are violating the principles of international law and the UN Charter with impunity.” Despite the severity of this statement, Guterres opted for diplomacy and did not explicitly name any specific country. He concluded his remarks by appealing to the world’s nations to return to the negotiating table and respect the rule of law, emphasizing that the current international order faces a genuine test requiring concerted efforts to save the economy and the lives of civilians.
