UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has cautioned that the ongoing disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is having far-reaching consequences for the global economy, affecting critical sectors including energy, transport, manufacturing, and food supply chains.
In a statement shared on social media, Guterres highlighted that the inability of commercial vessels to safely navigate the strategically vital waterway is intensifying economic pressure worldwide.
The consequences of the Middle East crisis grow dramatically worse with each passing hour.
The curtailment of navigational rights & freedoms in the area of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts energy, transport, manufacturing & food markets & strangles the global economy
Now is the… pic.twitter.com/10uJFNNyFG
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 1, 2026
He noted that the situation is contributing to severe instability in international markets and disrupting the steady flow of essential goods and commodities.
He further warned that the repercussions of the broader Middle East crisis are worsening rapidly, stating that conditions are deteriorating “with each passing hour” as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
Calling for restraint and constructive engagement, the UN chief urged all parties involved to prioritise dialogue and pursue diplomatic solutions aimed at de-escalation.
He stressed that immediate efforts are required to prevent the situation from pushing the region further towards instability and to safeguard global economic security.
