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 on Iran on Tuesday after President Donald Trump vowed to reimpose a naval blockade on its ports, and Tehran responded by hitting targets in the region.

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the renewed fighting as a 'major setback for civilians in the region and beyond.'

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He warned of 'human rights implications that go beyond the region' of Iran's announcement to close the Strait of Hormuz, the vital sea lane through which one-fifth of the world's crude oil production passed before the war began at the end of February.

Vital Lifeline Türk said in a statement that the strait is 'a vital lifeline that millions of people depend on.' He added: 'Disrupting the flow of food, medicine and other essential goods has serious social, economic and humanitarian consequences.' Türk called on Washington and Tehran to stop the attacks 'immediately' and return to the ceasefire stipulated in the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17.