UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the United States and Iran to exercise "maximum restraint," warning that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz could spiral out of control. During a visit to Cairo, Guterres stated that if the current "escalating tensions" were to evolve into a large-scale mutual escalation, the situation in the Middle East could become uncontrollable. He emphasized the need for a full restoration of navigation rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and surrounding areas, in accordance with international law. Guterres also commended Egypt's role in creating conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran.