Key facts
- The UN is advocating for sustained diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the US and Iran.
- The UN aims to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US conducted strikes against Iran following an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship.
- Iran's IRGC stated it retaliated against US military positions in the region.
- The UN spokesperson stressed the importance of regional and global stability and seafarer safety.
The United Nations is urging for sustained diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran and to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the importance of all parties adhering to signed agreements and prioritizing regional and global stability, as well as the welfare of seafarers.
These calls come after Iran struck a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. In response, the US military conducted strikes against targets inside Iran, including missile and drone storage facilities, citing the attack on the commercial vessel as a violation of a recent ceasefire agreement. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it targeted US military sites in the Gulf region in retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian territory. US President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the incident.
The UN's International Maritime Organisation had paused its mission to evacuate ships and over 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf region following the attack. Dujarric noted that while the US claims hostilities have ended, further clarity is still required, but acknowledged that Wednesday saw no new military developments, which he considered a positive sign.