The United Nations on Tuesday condemned the renewed fighting in the Middle East and warned that the consequences of closing the Strait of Hormuz could be severe for human rights in the region and beyond.
The United States launched new strikes against Iran on Tuesday after President Donald Trump pledged to reimpose a naval blockade on its ports, prompting Tehran to retaliate by striking targets in several countries in the region.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the renewed fighting as "a major setback for civilians in the region and beyond."
He warned of "human rights repercussions extending beyond the region's borders" following Iran's announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital maritime passage through which one-fifth of global crude oil production passed before the war broke out at the end of February.
Türk said in a statement that the strait is "a vital lifeline upon which millions of people depend," adding: "Disrupting the flow of food, medicine, and other essential goods has grave social, economic, and humanitarian consequences."
Türk called on Washington and Tehran to halt attacks "immediately" and return to the ceasefire stipulated in the memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June.