A joint statement by the UAE and a number of countries regarding developments in the Strait of Hormuz

A joint statement was issued by the State of the UAE, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Kingdom, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Estonia, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and the Republic of Lithuania regarding the Strait of Hormuz, as follows: Its text:

“We condemn in the strongest terms the recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial ships in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, and the virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.

We express our deep concern about the escalation of the conflict; We call on Iran to immediately stop its threats, laying mines, drone and missile attacks, and all other attempts to obstruct commercial shipping in the Strait, and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.

Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including what is stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The effects of Iran’s actions will affect people around the world, especially the most vulnerable groups.

In line with Security Council Resolution No. 2817, we affirm that such interference in international shipping traffic and disruption of global energy supply chains constitutes a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for a comprehensive and immediate cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.

We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe transit through the Strait, and welcome the commitment of countries participating in preparatory planning in this regard. We also welcome the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorize the coordinated release of strategic oil reserves, and we will take other steps to stabilize energy markets, including working with some producing countries to increase production.

We will also work to provide support to the most affected countries, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions. Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all nations; We call on the international community to respect international law and adhere to the basic principles of international prosperity and security.”