UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for maximum restraints from all parties regarding the escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
The spokesman made the remarks at a press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York when taking a media query about the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Middle East near Iran's border.
"The secretary-general is very concerned indeed about the reported military buildup in the Persian Gulf region. Again, the secretary-general calls for maximum restraints and encourages all actors to refrain from any actions that will further increase tension or ignite conflict escalation in the wider region. He remains convinced that all concerns regarding Iran are best addressed through dialogue, through diplomacy and negotiations. And in this regard, he welcomes all efforts aimed at regional de-escalation and calls on all actors to take concrete steps to defuse tensions and strengthen regional confidence," said Dujarric.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall in the national currency, the rial, and long-standing economic hardships.
The protests, with some turning into deadly clashes, have prompted Iranian authorities to allege that the United States and Israel may be behind the incidents.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States would take "very strong action" against Iran if it executed protesters. He previously backed down from ordering military action but insisted that all options remained on the table.
The U.S. Central Command said on Monday night via social media that the USS Abraham Lincoln, along with three destroyers, is deployed to the Middle East to "promote regional security and stability".
UN chief urges maximum restraints from all parties regarding escalating tensions in Persian Gulf region
UN chief urges maximum restraints from all parties regarding escalating tensions in Persian Gulf region
