Source: UN News: Saturday, 25 April 2026 00:01 AM
Amid the delicate situation in the Middle East region, the United States has decided to extend the ceasefire with Iran, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed and said remains open to diplomatic efforts. But, insecurity is still prevalent in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents of firing on ships on Wednesday have once again raised questions on safe movement and regional instability.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the US extension of the ceasefire and called it an important step towards reducing tensions and conflicts. He has said that this will create an important space for diplomacy and efforts to increase confidence between Iran and the United States. Tweet URL
A statement issued by the UN spokesperson on Tuesday said that Secretary-General Guterres has urged all parties to refrain from taking steps that could weaken the ceasefire. At the same time, they will have to participate constructively in negotiations for a permanent solution. The UN chief supported the efforts being made by Pakistan for talks between Iran and America and expressed confidence that this will create an environment for a comprehensive and permanent solution. However, there is not much clarity about these talks right now. Earlier, the first round of talks had ended without any result. Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz Amid diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high across the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for the supply of oil, gas, fertilizers and other goods. There have been incidents of seizure of ships as part of efforts by Iran and the US to increase their influence in the region. According to Britain’s Maritime Trade Operations Organization (UKMTO), a ship came under fire off the coast of Iran, after which it was forced to stop. At the same time, a container ship near the coast of Oman has suffered serious damage after being targeted by another ship. The crew members on board the ships are said to be safe in both incidents. Every day, a large part of the oil and gas supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. However, in the wake of Israel and America’s bombing of Iran on February 28 and Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks, the speed of shipping here has decreased sharply and insurance prices have increased. Lebanon: Huge Challenges © UNHCR/Hussam Hariri The situation after the missile attack in an area of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. On the other hand, a ceasefire is in force in Israel and Lebanon for 10 days, and thousands of Lebanese displaced families have started returning to their homes. However, fighting between Israeli military forces and Hezbollah has caused widespread damage to infrastructure. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOOCHA) has reported that 1.17 lakh people are still living in collective shelters. In many areas of southern Lebanon it is proving difficult for people to return to their homes, because of the military presence there. 74 areas have been declared unsafe. Humanitarian needs are still serious, but due to lack of aid funds, difficulty in reaching those in need and continuing tensions, efforts are not being made commensurate with the challenges. Since February, food prices have increased by 6 percent, which has increased the problems for families already living in a delicate situation, due to which women and girls are more affected. Many families are selling their properties or taking loans to survive. There is also severe pressure on health services. 6 hospitals have been forced to close, 15 have been damaged while a large number of primary health care centers are no longer functioning. From the beginning of March till now, World Health Organization The United States has confirmed 147 attacks on health care services, killing 100 and injuring more than 230, including medical workers.