Condemning the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces and the attacks on commercial vessels as well as oil and gas facilities in the region, over 20 countries have expressed their willingness to help contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait.
While the strait is not officially shut, it continues to be heavily disrupted and highly volatile amid the ongoing conflict.
In a joint statement issued by the UAE ministry of foreign affairs, leaders of the UAE, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia, expressed their deep concern about the escalating conflict, signaling the growing global anxiety over Hormuz.
The statement comes even as the conflict has shown no signs of abating amid the mixed signals sent by the US and Israel. While Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said attacks against Iran will "increase significantly" in the coming week, US President Donald Trump had said he was considering "winding down" military operations.
"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.
They urged 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 effects of Iran's actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable."
The countries emphasised that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security, and demanded an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
"We express our 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," the statement read, adding, "We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security."
