UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said it is “essential to immediately reestablish the freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and to end all ceasefire violations and create conditions for a political solution to the conflict”.

Speaking to journalists in Japan, Guterres said mistrust and geopolitical divisions are blocking effective solutions.

“Countries are flouting international law with impunity,” he added, without referring to any particular country.