The UN has offered to facilitate the transport of fertilizer, which 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 said to a press briefing.
The Secretary-General insisted that the UN "would not authorise 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 stated.