UN welcomes Iran's Hormuz opening statement

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open to all commercial vessels for the remaining period of the Lebanon ceasefire. The statement was delivered by UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, who called this "a step in the right direction" while reiterating the UN's position that full restoration of international navigational rights in the strait must be respected by all parties. This endorsement comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over control of the strategic waterway, with the US maintaining a naval blockade despite Iran's reopening declaration. The UN's position aligns with international calls for normalized shipping through the critical chokepoint, which has been partially blocked for weeks.