Joint statement by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan on 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.
We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We
call 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 effects of Iran's actions will be felt by people in all parts
of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such
interference with international shipping and the disruption of
global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international
peace and security. In this regard, we call for 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.
We welcome the International Energy Agency 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.
We 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. We call on all states to respect international law and
uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and
security.
