UN Chief calls for immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping amid threats to global trade routes

By  News On Air   Aug 25, 2026

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure as conflicts threaten key global trade routes.

Guterres urged all parties to respect international law and including the law of the sea and international humanitarian law, along with protection for civilian shipping, infrastructure and civilian seafarers in the Black Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that an oil tanker was hit by an unknown projectile near Oman and advised vessels to exercise caution.

Meanwhile, the US has said that it had redirected 71 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two as part of its blockade of Iran. Washington also imposed sanctions on nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels linked to Iran’s military and energy sectors.