A joint statement issued by the United Arab Emirates and a coalition of international partners has strongly condemned recent attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, stating: “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 joint statement was issued by the United Arab Emirates alongside United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia.
The signatories expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and called on Iran to immediately cease its actions, warning: “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.”
Emphasizing that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, the coalition highlighted its importance under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Leaders warned that the consequences of such disruptions would be felt globally, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The statement stressed that interference with international shipping and disruptions to global energy supply chains pose a threat to international peace and security. In this context, the coalition called for an immediate and comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
The participating countries also expressed readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait and welcomed ongoing preparatory coordination among nations.
They further welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorize a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves and indicated that additional steps may be taken to stabilize energy markets, including working with producing nations to increase output.
The statement concluded with a commitment to support the most affected countries through international mechanisms, including the United Nations and international financial institutions. The coalition reaffirmed that maritime security and freedom of navigation are essential for global prosperity and called on all states to respect international law.