New york: The UN on Thursday urged an immediate halt to hostilities in the Gulf region, following Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The call for peace comes amid rising tensions and military strikes exchanged between Iran and the United States.

According to Anadolu Agency, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, addressed the situation during a news conference. Dujarric emphasized the urgent need for diplomacy, stating, "Look, this tit-for-tat needs to stop." He further advocated for a return to negotiations, highlighting the necessity for regional and global stability.

The UN had previously released a statement encouraging all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalatory actions. Dujarric reiterated the UN's readiness to assist, mentioning that Guterres' Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, remains in contact with the relevant parties. Additionally, the International Maritime Organization is playing a vital role concerning maritime issues in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian strikes targeted US military infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan as a response to consecutive days of US attacks on Iranian targets. This escalation follows Iranian actions against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week, further heightening tensions between Washington and Tehran.