UN chief urges respect for navigational rights, freedom in Strait of Hormuz

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Tuesday that respect for international law is eroding globally, particularly in the Middle East, cautioning that the consequences could deepen instability and conflict.

"Around the world, and starkly in the Middle East, respect for international law is being trampled," Guterres told reporters during a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York, saying that "rules governing the use of force and the conduct of hostilities are ignored."

Warning of broader risks, Guterres described international law as "indispensable," and said, "Without it, instability spreads, mistrust deepens, and conflicts spiral out of control."

On the situation in the Middle East, he stressed that "there is no military solution to this crisis," and that "peace agreements require persistent engagement and political will."

Urging renewed diplomacy, Guterres said that "serious negotiations must resume" and emphasized that "the ceasefire must be preserved."

"And international navigational rights and freedoms, including in the Strait of Hormuz, must be respected by all parties," he added.

When asked if he is aware of the possibility of resuming US-Iran negotiations, Guterres said, "The indication we have is that it is highly probable that these talks will restart," and pointed to his latest talk with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

The UN chief turned his attention to Lebanon as he described talks between Israel and Lebanon as "very important" to pave the way for creating conditions to change course on the ground.

"The truth is that Hezbollah and Israel have always helped each other to destabilize the hovernment of Lebanon," he added.