UN chief calls for maximum restraint in Strait of Hormuz

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is again calling for "maximum restraint" in the Persian Gulf region and warning all parties that a new confrontation "would be a catastrophe," U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

He reiterated the U.N. chief’s plea to avoid any escalation when asked for Guterres’ reaction to Britain saying Iranian vessels tried to block one of its oil tankers in the Gulf.

The spokesman said the U.N. hopes all nations "will take steps to avoid" an escalation and confrontation.

Responding to a question on whether the secretary-general supports U.S. and other calls to safeguard ships passing through the Gulf, Haq reiterated Guterres’ call to avoid escalation.

"We want, of course, for everyone to allow for the freedom of movement of vessels and we’re hopeful that they will abide by that," the AP cited the U.N. deputy spokesman as saying.