UNITED NATIONS April 17, 2026 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to all commercial vessels for the remainder of the current ceasefire, describing the move as a positive development for regional stability and global trade.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres stated: “I welcome Iran’s announcements that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire. This [is] a step in the right direction.”
He added: “The @UN position remains clear: we need the full restoration of international navigational rights & freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, respected by everyone. I also hope that, together with the ceasefire, this measure will contribute to creating confidence between the parties and strengthen the ongoing dialogue facilitated by Pakistan.”
The announcement follows Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, declaring the vital waterway open to commercial shipping along coordinated routes set by Iranian authorities. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes, had been effectively restricted earlier in the 2026 Iran-related conflict, triggering sharp spikes in global energy prices.
The development comes amid a fragile ceasefire involving the United States, Iran, and related tensions in Lebanon, brokered in part through Pakistani mediation. U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged the reopening while stating that the American naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports would remain in effect until a broader deal is reached, including on Iran’s nuclear program.
Guterres has consistently urged all parties to use the ceasefire window for serious diplomacy, emphasizing that there is “no military solution” to the conflict and calling for full respect for international law and navigational freedoms in the Gulf.
Analysts say the reopening could help ease immediate pressure on global oil markets, though full restoration of unrestricted shipping will depend on whether the ceasefire holds and leads to longer-term agreements in ongoing Pakistan-facilitated talks.
The UN chief’s statement underscores the world body’s support for de-escalation efforts and its hope that confidence-building measures like this will pave the way for a durable peace in the region.
About The Author
