The United Nations has offered to help facilitate fertilizer shipments affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal comes amid the ongoing Iran war and growing concerns over global trade.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented the initiative on Monday. He said the proposed mechanism would help reduce immediate risks and make shipping through the strategic waterway more predictable.
“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,” Guterres told reporters.
UN Plans Neutral Facilitation Role
Guterres stressed that the United Nations would not take control of shipping movements through the strait.
He said the UN “would not authorize passage” through the waterway. It would also not change the rights or obligations of any country under international law.
Instead, the organisation would act as a “neutral facilitator.” Under the proposed system, the UN would register and verify ships carrying fertilizer and related products. The mechanism would only operate if all countries involved in the conflict agree to participate.
“Of course, it can only be done if the countries that are involved in this conflict all agree to accept the mechanism,” Guterres said.
Hormuz Disruption Affects Global Trade
Iran blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
The disruption has affected the movement of major energy commodities. Oil and natural gas shipments have faced difficulties, while other essential products have also experienced disruption. Fertilizer has emerged as a particular concern because delays could affect agricultural supply chains in different parts of the world.
Guterres began discussions on the proposed mechanism in March. According to the UN chief, officials would manage the coordination system from Oman. Oman sits on the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz, opposite Iran. Its location could make it a practical base for coordinating the proposed arrangement.
Dispute Over Transit Fees Continues
The proposal comes as disagreements over shipping through the strait continue. Tehran has indicated that it plans to impose fees on vessels passing through the strategic waterway. However, the United States and several other countries in the region oppose the move.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial route for international energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption can therefore create wider economic pressure and affect global commodity markets.
US President Donald Trump has also taken a firm position on the waterway. He has claimed that Washington has “total control” of the strait.
Trump has even asserted that the waterway is US territory as shipping to and from Iranian ports remains restricted. The UN proposal now depends on whether the countries involved can agree to a neutral coordination system. If accepted, the mechanism could help maintain fertilizer supplies while supporting wider diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
However, the initiative faces significant political and security challenges. Cooperation from Iran, the United States and other parties will remain essential before the proposed system can begin operating.
