The UN maritime agency, International Maritime Organization (IMO), has urged the United States and Iran to show restraint, avoid further escalation, and return to dialogue.

In a statement, an IMO spokesperson condemned overnight attacks on shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz that killed at least two seafarers.

Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the situation in the Middle East is very alarming due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

He said disruptions to the flow of food, medicines, and other necessary commodities have severe socioeconomic and humanitarian consequences, both regionally and globally.