MFAT 'called in' Iran's Ambassador over escalating conflict with US

The Foreign Affairs ministry has "called in" Iran's Ambassador Reza Nazar Ahar over the escalating conflict with the United States.

United States President Donald Trump has now stepped back from a proposal to charge a 20 percent fee to guard the Strait of Hormuz.

The US had escalated attacks after Iran said it had closed the Strait.

The ministry shared details in a social media post on Tuesday morning.

"Today MFAT called in the Iranian Ambassador to convey New Zealand's serious concerns regarding recent escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and across the Gulf region," it said.

"We urged immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, and reiterated our condemnation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' destabilising activities, including beyond the Middle East."

RNZ has sought further comment from the ministry, including on whether the newly appointed US Ambassador had been called in.