MIDDLE EAST

The Secretary-General 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. These attacks must all stop.

He calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalatory action and take immediate steps to de-escalate.  

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 further 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.

[END]