A group of 22 countries has called on Iran to halt attacks and restore access through the Strait of Hormuz, warning of global repercussions as tensions in the region continue to disrupt shipping.
In a joint statement issued Saturday, the countries said, “The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” underscoring the wider economic risks linked to the disruption of the critical waterway.
The statement condemned what it described as Iran’s actions against commercial shipping and infrastructure. “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 countries said.
Nations including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea and Australia were among those backing the appeal. They also signaled willingness to act collectively to stabilise maritime transit.
“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 joint statement added.
The developments come as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas — has largely stalled since the conflict began three weeks ago, contributing to a surge in global energy prices.