More than 20 countries have expressed readiness to support efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, strongly condemning Iran over what they described as the effective closure of the critical route that carries a significant share of the worldโs oil and gas.
In a joint statement, 22 nations, mostly from Europe but also including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, criticised Iran’s actions in the Persian Gulf in strong terms.
“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,”ย the statement said.
The countries also said they were prepared to contribute to coordinated efforts to maintain safe navigation through the Strait, and welcomed ongoing planning by nations already involved. They further called for an immediate and comprehensive halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities.
“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.
On Middle East conflict
The countries expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. They urged Iran to stop laying mines, drone, and missile strikes on ships in attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz.
“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 Iranโs actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” the nations said.
The declaration comes after weeks of escalating conflict in the region. Following strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel on February 28, Tehran retaliated with attacks on Gulf countries and vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The disruption to shipping has been significant. Between March 1 and 19, commodity carriers made only 116 crossings through the strait, marking a 95 per cent drop from normal levels, according to data from analytics firm Kpler.
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