UN chief deeply concerned by serious escalation in Gulf region

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by the serious escalation and renewed military confrontations in the Gulf, including the Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the attacks by the United States on Iran, and the attacks by Iran on targets in the neighboring countries, his spokesperson said on Sunday.

The UN chief "calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalatory action and take immediate steps to de-escalate," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

"These attacks must all stop," the statement said.

The statement said the secretary-general reiterates that a return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for the peoples of the region, for international peace and security, and for the global economy. He also reaffirms the need for the restoration of full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Secretary-General urges Iran and the United States to urgently resume negotiations and to address outstanding issues through diplomacy," the statement said.