Guterres Warns of Severe Consequences if Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

On May 1, local time April 30, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York regarding the Middle East crisis, noting that the crisis is struggling to enter its third month. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the situation is deteriorating over time. Guterres expressed deep concern over the restrictions on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that if the strait remains closed until mid-year, global economic growth will drop to 2.5%, inflation will rise to 5.4%, an additional 32 million people will fall into poverty, and 45 million more will face extreme hunger. If the strait remains closed until the end of the year, global economic growth will decline to 2%, and inflation will exceed 6%. Guterres urged all parties to avoid any actions that could undermine the ceasefire. He mentioned that the UN system is working to mitigate the impact of the current crisis.