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Global Powers Condemn Iran's Strait of Hormuz Closure, Vow Action

More than 20 nations have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Iran for attacks on commercial vessels and the effective closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz. The countries called for an immediate end to threats against shipping and civilian infrastructure, warning it threatens international peace and security. They welcomed the International Energy Agency's historic release of strategic oil reserves to stabilize markets disrupted by the closure. The signatories expressed readiness to take steps to ensure safe passage through the strait, emphasizing freedom of navigation as a fundamental international principle.

Key Points: 20+ Nations Condemn Iran's Closure of Strait of Hormuz

  • Condemnation of Iranian attacks on shipping
  • Call for immediate cessation of threats
  • Support for IEA's emergency oil release
  • Pledge to ensure safe passage through strait
4 min read

Over 20 countries condemn 'de facto closure' of Strait of Hormuz, vow efforts to ensure safe passage

Over 20 countries condemn Iran's attacks and de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pledging action to ensure safe maritime passage and energy security.

"We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf... and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. - Joint Statement"

Abu Dhabi, March 21

More than 20 countries on Saturday have strongly condemned what they described as the "de facto closure" of the Strait of Hormuz, expressing readiness to take appropriate steps to ensure safe passage through the critical maritime route amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In a joint statement issued by leaders of over 20 nations, including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia, the countries denounced the recent attacks carried out by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, as well as strikes on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.

"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 signatories expressed deep concern over the escalating situation and called on Iran to immediately cease threats, including the laying of mines and drone and missile attacks aimed at disrupting commercial shipping in the region.

They also urged compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, emphasising that interference with international shipping and disruption of global energy supply chains pose a serious threat to international peace and security.

"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.

"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," he added.

Reaffirming that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law under frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the countries warned that the consequences of such actions would be felt globally, particularly by vulnerable populations.

"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," the statement stated.

They also welcomed the decision of the International Energy Agency (IEA) to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves, and said additional measures would be taken to stabilise energy markets, including working with producing nations to increase output.

The IEA, last week, announced the largest-ever release of emergency oil stocks in its history, making 400 million barrels of oil available to global markets to mitigate disruptions caused in the global energy supply by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

In a video statement, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted that the conflict has severely impacted global oil and gas markets, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, and the decision was taken "to offset the supply lost through the effective closure of the Strait."

Further, the countries pledged support for nations most affected by the crisis through multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and international financial institutions.

"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," the statement added.

The development comes amid the escalating tensions and conflict that began on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

Due to the conflict in the region, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply.

Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the former leader, was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While Iran's actions are concerning, we must also look at the root cause. The joint strike that killed their leader was a major provocation. The cycle of retaliation helps no one. India should use its diplomatic channels to urge for de-escalation and dialogue.
D
David E
The coordinated release of strategic reserves by the IEA is a good short-term measure. But long-term energy security requires reducing dependence on this volatile region. India's push for renewables and diversifying oil suppliers is more crucial than ever.
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Aman W
Bharat needs to walk a very careful line here. We have important relations with many Gulf nations and also with the US. Our foreign policy should focus on protecting Indian interests—affordable energy and the safety of our diaspora in the region. Jai Hind.
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Sarah B
Attacking civilian infrastructure and commercial ships is unacceptable, full stop. International law must be upheld. I hope the Indian Navy is prepared to contribute to any multinational effort to ensure safe passage, as it has done before against piracy.
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Karthik V
With due respect to the joint statement, it feels like the same powerful countries are making the rules. Where is the voice of the Global South? The economic pain from rising oil prices will be felt most by developing countries like ours, not by the signatories.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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