Key facts
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that fighting across the Middle East must cease.
- Guterres warned that escalating conflict is a significant driver of global instability.
- He highlighted disruptions to trade, energy markets, food prices, and supply chains.
- Guterres warned that millions could be pushed into poverty.
- A top Iranian official warned that Iran would block the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic passages.
- This action would occur if the U.S. continues its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
- Oil prices increased after Iran claimed to have stopped vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's claims of vessel seizures could not be independently confirmed.
- The situation follows escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and drone strikes across the Middle East.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged an end to the fighting in the Middle East, stating that the escalating conflict is a significant driver of global instability. Guterres highlighted the potential for severe disruptions to global trade, energy markets, food prices, and supply chains, warning that these impacts could push millions into poverty.