The UN Security Council holds a meeting on the Middle East issues on June 20, 2019 in New York. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

The appeal came after the Council met behind closed doors at Washington’s request and amidst new US sanctions on Iran.

The Council appealed to all sides to back away from a military confrontation. It condemned the recent attacks on oil tankers and called them a threat to international peace and security.

In a statement, the Council said all concerned parties and all countries in the region must exercise maximum restraint and take measures and actions to reduce escalation and tension. Council members urged that differences must be addressed peacefully and through dialogue.

Iranian Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht Ravanchi said that conditions are not ripe for dialogue with the US because Iran cannot negotiate with a country which is threatening it.