In a show of unified international force, twenty-two nations have jointly condemned Iran for attacks on unarmed commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf and for what they describe as a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

The joint statement, issued under the banner of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was signed by leaders from the UAE, UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia.

“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,” said the joint statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The joint statement called out Iranian attacks on commercial ships and oil infrastructure, invoking UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

The signatories called on Iran to immediately halt the laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and any other efforts to obstruct commercial shipping. They also demanded compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. “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,” the statement read.

Energy markets on alert

Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply transits the Strait of Hormuz daily. The coalition warned that the disruption of global energy supply chains constitutes a threat not just to shipping nations but also to vulnerable populations worldwide.

In response, the International Energy Agency has authorised a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. The coalition also pledged to work with producing nations to increase output and take further steps to stabilise energy markets.

Military and humanitarian preparedness

The statement also signalled a readiness to take coordinated action to ensure safe passage through the Strait, with several nations described as already engaged in preparatory planning.

On the humanitarian front, the coalition pledged support for the most affected nations through the United Nations and International Financial Institutions, acknowledging that the crisis would disproportionately harm the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The statement closed with a call to all states to respect international law and uphold the principles of freedom of navigation enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).