The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement condemning recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, including the ‘de facto’ closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict,” the statement said, calling on Iran to immediately cease threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
The statement reaffirmed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The leaders warned that Iran’s actions would be felt globally, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, and said interference with international shipping and disruption to energy supply chains posed a threat to international peace and security. They called for an immediate moratorium on attacks targeting civilian infrastructure.
In the statement, they expressed readiness to support efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and welcomed the commitment of nations engaging in preparatory planning.
The statement noted the International Energy Agency’s decision to release strategic petroleum reserves in a coordinated manner and pledged further steps to stabilise energy markets, including cooperation with producing nations to increase output.
The leaders also stressed that maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries, urging all states to uphold international law and the principles of international prosperity and security.