UNITED NATIONS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned of devastating consequences of prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a press encounter, Guterres offered three scenarios. In the worst-case scenario where the strait remained closed until the end of the year, global inflation would skyrocket past 6 percent, and growth would plummet to 2 percent.

"Immense suffering takes hold, especially among the world's most vulnerable populations. And we confront the specter of a global recession, with dramatic impacts on people, on the economy, and on political and social stability," he warned.

Guterres said these consequences are not cumulative but exponential. The longer this vital artery is choked, the harder it will be to reverse the damage and the higher the cost to humanity.

Guterres called for the strait's reopening while urging all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the current ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

"Now is the time for dialogue, for solutions that pull us back from the brink, and for measures that can open a pathway to peace," Guterres said. "The world is waiting." ■