The United Nations on Tuesday reaffirmed that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must remain free, opposing any attempt by any party to restrict navigation or impose transit tolls.
Responding to a reporter's question about U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that the United States would charge tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said the UN chief's position remains consistent.
"We believe that there must be free movement of shipping across the Strait of Hormuz. We stand against any efforts to restrict the freedom of movement of shipping," Haq said.
Haq added that the International Maritime Organization had also issued a statement opposing the imposition of tolls by any party.
Haq said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk had warned that renewed broader hostilities between the United States and Iran would be a major setback for civilians across the Middle East and beyond.
Turk said the escalation would not only undermine peace efforts but also further destabilize the region and pose serious risks to human rights across the region. He called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
