New York, May 19 -- The United Nations (UN) emphasised the importance of maintaining free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, following reports that Iran on Monday announced the launch of a new regulatory body, "Persian Gulf Strait Authority"

aimed at managing and monitoring operations related to the strategically important waterway, the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera.

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, according to Al Jazeera, said that the organisation does not support any restrictions that could limit maritime access in the region.

"Ultimately, for us, we want to make sure that there's no constraint to freedom of navigation on the high seas and on the Strait of Hormuz," Haq said.

He added that the UN does not "want any par...