UN Welcomes Iran’s Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire
The United Nations has welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels during the current ceasefire period. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the move as a positive step toward easing regional tensions, according to spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
In a statement on Friday, Dujarric emphasized the UN’s position that full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms in the strait is essential. “The Secretary-General remains fully supportive of diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful path forward out of the current Middle East conflict,” Dujarric said. He added that the measure, alongside the ceasefire, could help build confidence between parties and strengthen dialogue facilitated by Pakistan.
The announcement follows confirmation from both U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that the waterway is now open to commercial traffic. Trump, in a social media post, stated that Iran had declared the strait “fully open and ready for full passage.” Araghchi echoed this on X, noting that the passage is “completely open” in line with the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and will remain so for its duration.
However, Trump also warned that the blockade would “remain in full force” until the U.S. completes its “transaction” with Iran. Earlier, Trump had announced “major combat operations” against Iran on February 28, involving joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on key sites. A temporary ceasefire was later brokered by Pakistan following negotiations in Islamabad aimed at reducing hostilities.
Despite these efforts, U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan failed to produce a peace deal, with Iran’s nuclear programme remaining a key sticking point. Trump had also warned that the U.S. would impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz from Monday, April 13, a move that could have significant implications for global energy supplies given the strait’s strategic importance.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a critical development in efforts to stabilize the region and ensure the free flow of international maritime traffic. The UN and other international actors continue to push for sustained dialogue and a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.
