[Guterres: Appoints Middle East Envoy for 'Direct Contact' with Iran] On March 27, local time on the evening of March 26, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi had a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General Guterres. During the call, Araghchi stated that the current insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz is a direct result of aggressive actions by the U.S. and Israel. As a coastal state, Iran has the right to prevent the passage of ships belonging to or associated with hostile nations and their allies. Guterres stated during the call that the prior appointment of French diplomat Jean Arnault as the Middle East Envoy was aimed at establishing 'direct contact' with Iran. (CCTV)