MOSCOW, January 11 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia urges Iran and Western countries to refrain from statements and actions that can aggravate the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

“As far as such statements [on possible blockage of the strait by Iran] are concerned, I must say that the Strait of Hormuz has an international status and navigation in it must be free. But we equally recognise the right of the Iranian side to ensure its own security. This right includes the right to conduct necessary exercises,” Ryabkov said on Wednesday, January 11.

“We believe that Iranians and all members of the international community in this alarming situation must refrain from statements, let alone actions, that can lead to further escalation of confrontation. This is a very dangerous tendency and everyone must show maximum restraint,” he said.