United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the “curtailment of navigational rights and freedoms” within the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing a press conference, the UN chief warns that the delivery of oil, gas, fertiliser and other critical commodities is being impeded, “disrupting energy, transport, manufacturing, and food markets”.

“As with every conflict, the whole of humanity is paying the price — even if a few are reaping huge profits,” Guterres adds. “The pain will be felt for a long time to come.”