British News Agency

According to CCTV, the United Nations (UN) said that maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz should continue freely.

UN Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq commented on U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting that transit fees could be imposed on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Haq stated that the UN Secretary-General's position has not changed, saying: "We believe there should be freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We oppose any attempt to restrict the freedom of movement of maritime shipping."

Haq also noted that the International Maritime Organization had issued a statement opposing the imposition of transit fees by any party and stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved.

He also shared the warning of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk that renewed escalation of hostilities between the United States and Iran would represent a major setback for civilians in the Middle East and beyond.

According to Haq, Türk believes that any possible escalation would undermine peace efforts, further destabilize the region, and create serious risks to human rights.

The UN official called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.