A major international coalition has issued a strongly worded joint statement condemning Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels and its effective closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The statement, released by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was endorsed by the leaders of the UAE, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania and Australia.
The countries “condemn in the strongest terms” Iran’s attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, strikes on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
They expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and called on Iran to immediately cease its threats, the laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and all other attempts to block commercial shipping through the strait. The signatories urged Iran to comply fully with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
The statement stressed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It warned that the effects of Iran’s actions would be felt across the world, especially by the most vulnerable nations.
Consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, the coalition emphasised that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. It called for a comprehensive moratorium on attacks against civilian infrastructure.
The leaders expressed their readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves to help stabilise energy markets. They pledged support for the most affected nations through the United Nations and international financial institutions.
The statement concluded by declaring that maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries, and called on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.
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