UNITED NATIONS - The members of the United Nations Security Council on Monday urged parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint in the Gulf region.

"The Council members urge concerned parties and all countries in the region to exercise maximum restraint and take measures and actions to reduce escalation and end tension," said Kuwaiti UN ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi, who was authorized by the council members to read a statement to reporters.

"The Council members condemn the attacks on the oil tankers, which represents a serious threat to maritime navigation and energy supply, contravening international rules on freedom of navigation and maritime transport, as well as a threat to international peace and security," said Al-Otaibi, also president of the Security Council for the month of June.

"The Council members urge that differences must be addressed peacefully and through dialogue," he said, adding that the council members "will continue to be seized on the matter."

The Kuwaiti envoy read the press statement shortly after the conclusion of a closed-door meeting on the situation in the Middle East, which was briefed by UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo.