UN chief calls for restoration of normalcy in Strait of Hormuz

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could return to its status quo ante, said his spokesperson.

Asked at a daily briefing on Friday (local time) where Guterres hopes that the Strait of Hormuz will return to how it was before the US-Israel conflict against Iran began, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, said: "I think we have to remain determined.

The Strait of Hormuz, prior to the opening of this conflict, actually worked, right? So we know it can, and we should go back to that."

Dujarric said the United Nations welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, which covers the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that it is important that all sides honour their commitments, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We are keen to see a sustained reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, based on the concept of freedom of navigation," said Dujarric.

"It is important that all parties involved keep their eyes on the greater good -- the greater good of regional stability, the greater good of global stability."

The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important energy shipping chokepoint, had been open and toll-free before Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran and assassinated dozens of Iran's top leaders on February 28.

The strait was closed by Iran immediately after the Israel-US strikes, and tolls were imposed on limited shipping traffic.

After the signing of the MoU in mid-June, the strait was opened, but was closed again after Israel continued strikes in southern Lebanon, in violation of the MoU.

"Except for the headline, no changes have been made to the story, as it has been sourced from IANS."