UN offers to facilitate fertilizer transit through Hormuz

The United Nations offered on Monday to facilitate the transport of fertilizer that has been hampered by the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war.

"The purpose is simple: to reduce immediate risks, support more orderly and predictable transit, and help rebuild the confidence necessary for diplomacy and de-escalation," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a press briefing.

He insisted that the UN "would not authorize passage" through the strait or "alter the rights or obligations" of states under international law.

The world body would rather serve as a "neutral facilitator," registering and verifying ships carrying fertilizer and related products.

"Of course, it can only be done if the countries that are involved in this conflict all agree to accept the mechanism," Guterres said.

Iran has blocked shipping through the strait in response to the US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28. That has not only impeded global transit of oil and natural gas but other key commodities including fertilizer.

Guterres, who launched discussions on the issue in March, said the coordination mechanism would be managed from Oman -- which lies on the southern side of the strait opposite Iran.

Tehran has indicated it intends to impose fees on ships transiting the strait, which the United States and others in the region oppose.

US President Donald Trump insists he has "total control" of the strait and even asserted the strait is US territory, as it blocks shipping to and from Iranian ports.