UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain fully open and for the ceasefire to be upheld. He emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations until a diplomatic solution is reached to avoid dire consequences from any resumption of hostilities. Guterres stressed the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 13% of Africa’s imports pass, highlighting its significance for African nations awaiting essential agricultural supplies from the Gulf.
Guterres expressed concerns over the impact of the Middle East crisis on Africa’s food security, pointing out the potential risks of a fertilizer shortage. He highlighted the sharp increase in the price of Urea, a key fertilizer, by over 35% in just a month. The UN Chief underscored the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz fully operational to stabilize energy and fertilizer prices globally, emphasizing its importance for the international community.
US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Iran’s response to a US peace proposal aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region. Trump labeled Iran’s stance as “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” following Iran’s reply to the US-backed peace framework. The exchange comes amid ongoing military confrontations and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the heightened tensions in the region.
