UN urges restraint, dialogue after extreme presidential rhetoric and calls for freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz
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Summary
During a press exchange, a United Nations official urged sober dialogue in response to extreme rhetoric attributed to a U.S. president, declined to speculate on leaders' intentions, and described a UNOPS-led effort to enable exports and humanitarian shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to ease regional tensions.
An Agency official at the United Nations urged restraint and a return to diplomatic engagement in response to inflammatory public statements by world leaders, saying the secretary-general calls for "dialogue over destruction" and that whether particular acts constitute crimes must be determined by courts after incidents occur. When asked whether the secretary-general thought U.S. President Donald Trump was "out of his mind," the Agency official declined to answer and emphasized the need for sober analysis and action.
On shipping and trade tensions, the official described a UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS)-led initiative to create mechanisms to allow exports of fertilizer and humanitarian goods through the Strait of Hormuz and said country teams are working with governments to mitigate impacts on vulnerable developing countries. The official said Jean Arnault (special envoy) is traveling to the region and that updates on his consultations would be shared.
When questioned about a failed Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, the official said the secretary-general "aligns with international law" and wants the strait reopened with full freedom of navigation for all.
