The United Kingdom and a group of international partners have signalled readiness to take action to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, following a joint statement condemning recent Iranian activity in the region.
Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada criticised attacks on commercial vessels and infrastructure, as well as efforts to restrict access to one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
“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 statement said.
The group warned that continued disruption to shipping and energy flows would have global consequences, particularly for vulnerable economies.
“The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” the leaders said.
They called for an immediate halt to attacks and interference with commercial traffic, including the laying of mines and the use of drones and missiles targeting maritime activity. “Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law,” the statement added, referencing obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Alongside condemnation, the statement signalled that participating nations are preparing potential responses to ensure safe passage through the Strait. “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,” it said.