Moscow calls for freedom of navigation in Gulf due to its importance to global economy

Russia has called for the freedom of navigation in the Arab Gulf due to its importance to global economy, after alleged incidents involving a British tanker and Iranian boats in the Gulf waters.

"We are keeping a close eye on the information flow regarding what is going on in the Gulf area," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Tass, said on Thursday.

He added: "We have taken note of the information that such an incident had allegedly taken place. We also took note of a statement by Iranian representatives that this information contradicts reality."

"Anyway, we believe that the freedom of navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz must be ensured without any reservations. This is extremely important for the global economy and for the global economic environment," Peskov stressed. "We continue to call on everyone to show restraint in the Gulf so as not to up the ante and resolve the situation through dialogue."