UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint and the immediate de-escalation of the situation in the Caribbean, a UN spokesperson said Wednesday.

In response to questions over the latest U.S. moves against Venezuela, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN chief, told reporters at a daily briefing that Guterres is following the current situation very closely and is engaging with relevant parties.

The secretary-general calls on all stakeholders to honor their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and any other applicable legal frameworks, to safeguard peace in the region, Haq said.

He said that Guterres believes that any differences must be resolved by peaceful means.

If Venezuela brings the issue to the United Nations, much of that will probably be an issue for members of the Security Council to consider, the spokesperson said.

Haq added that, at this stage, it is critical to continue diplomatic engagement and pursue a peaceful way forward through dialogue.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In response, Venezuela denounced the U.S. move, calling it a violation of international law and vowing to raise the issue before the United Nations.

(Cover: A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules taxis at José Aponte de la Torre Airport, formerly Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico on December 17, 2025. /VCG)