Manila: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for an immediate end to attacks in the Gulf and urged Iran and the US to resume negotiations as military tensions escalate across the region. Guterres is 'deeply concerned' by renewed confrontations, including Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, US strikes on Iran, and Iranian attacks on targets in neighboring countries, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, the UN chief emphasized that these attacks must cease immediately and called on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint. He underscored the importance of avoiding further escalation and urged immediate steps to ease tensions. The warning highlighted the potential 'catastrophic consequences' of a return to full-scale hostilities, which would impact not only the regional population but also international peace, security, and the global economy.

Guterres's statement also emphasized the necessity of restoring full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. He urged both Tehran and Washington to urgently return to the negotiating table and resolve outstanding issues through diplomatic means, stressing that dialogue is the best path forward to ensure stability in the region.