Around two dozen countries condemn Iran's attack on Strait of Hormuz in joint statement
It added that the effect of Iran's actions would be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
Around two dozen countries, including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, have issued a joint statement condemning the recent attacks by Iran on commercial vessels and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces,” the statement read.
Other countries condemning the attack include France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, and Lithuania.
The countries have expressed “deep concern about the escalating conflict” and called on Iran to cease immediately its “threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.”
“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the statement further read.
It added that the effect of Iran's actions would be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
The statement emphasized, consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security.
It has therefore called for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
The countries have also expressed their readiness to contribute to “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the Strait. “We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” it added.
The statement also welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves.
“We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output,” the statement assured, adding that the countries will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs.
“Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries,” it noted, while calling on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.
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