UN council urges 'maximum restraint' in Gulf

The UN Security Council is condemning the latest attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and urging all parties "to exercise maximum restraint and take measures and actions to reduce escalation and tension." The council says the tanker attacks represent "a serious threat to maritime navigation and energy supply." The statement was read Monday after closed consultations and a briefing on the attacks by U.N. peacekeeping chief Rosemary DiCarlo.

The UN's most powerful body says the attacks also violate international rules on freedom of navigation and maritime transport and threaten international peace and security. The United States has blamed Iran for the latest attacks. Tehran has denied any involvement.

Council members are urging "that differences must be addressed peacefully and through dialogue."
He spoke with reporters while the U.N. Security Council held closed consultations on the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Ravanchi says U.S.-Iran talks are impossible under current conditions, adding that "you cannot start a dialogue with someone who is threatening, who is intimidating you."