UN warns Strait of Hormuz at 'extremely uncertain' stage as US-Iran ceasefire claims diverge

TEHRAN, Iran — BAGHDAD — The United Nations warned on Tuesday that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has entered an "extremely uncertain" phase, citing contradictions between statements from the United States and Iran regarding their ceasefire agreement. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at a daily briefing that a clear divergence had been observed between the positions of the two sides. He described the current period as "extremely sensitive" and said the parties must adhere to their agreements. Dujarric said the UN's objective is the permanent reopening of the strait, the safeguarding of freedom of maritime navigation and the protection of global trade flows. Separately, Iranian state television reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stopped three oil tankers attempting to transit without authorization before allowing them to return to Gulf waters. US President Donald Trump alleged that Iran launched four suicide drones toward vessels passing through the strait, calling it a "stupid violation" of the ceasefire agreement and saying Tehran "will learn from this." The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil consumption transits, remains a critical chokepoint for international energy markets and supply chains.