Source: UN News: Saturday, July 18, 2026 00:00 AM
The intensified attacks and counter-attacks between Iran and America in the Gulf region have once again increased the risk of a full-scale war. Meanwhile, Washington has rejected Tehran’s claim that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. The US said it targeted about 140 targets on Saturday in response to the Iranian military’s attack on a ship passing through international waters. According to reports, Iran carried out several attacks on a US military base in Jordan on Sunday. United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait have also said that missiles and drones were fired at them from Iran. ‘Deeply concerned’ United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres The Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and urged an immediate end to all attacks. A statement issued by his spokesperson appealed to all parties to “exercise maximum restraint, avoid new actions that may escalate tensions, and take immediate steps to defuse the situation.” The Secretary-General warned that the outbreak of a full-scale violent confrontation would have devastating consequences for the people of the region and beyond. This will also have a serious impact on the global economy. There has been a surge in energy prices after the breakdown of the fragile ceasefire last month and increase in violence. The movement of ships through the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ located between Iran and Oman has once again come to a standstill. Call to restore freedom of navigation. Due to the current situation, about 6,000 sailors are still stranded on many ships. of the United Nations international maritime organizationThe head of IMO has urged to avoid the movement of ships through the ‘Strait of Hormuz’. He said the restrictions should remain in place “until the necessary security conditions are restored.”UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said “full freedom of navigation” should be restored in the Strait of Hormuz. Three merchant ships were reportedly attacked last Tuesday, despite the June 17 memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington coming into force. “The Secretary-General urges Iran and the United States to immediately resume talks and resolve remaining issues through diplomacy,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
