NAIROBI, Kenya — A coalition of global leaders has issued a joint statement condemning Iran over attacks on commercial vessels and threats that have effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and gas.
The statement, released by the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was endorsed by leaders from more than 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Australia, and several European and Asian partners.
The leaders said they “condemn in the strongest terms” what they described as recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, as well as strikes targeting civilian infrastructure such as oil and gas installations.
They also warned that Iran’s actions had led to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces, raising serious concerns over global trade and energy supply chains.
“We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. 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,” the statement said.
The coalition urged Tehran to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and to halt attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy installations.
Freedom of navigation, the leaders said, is a fundamental principle of international law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Any disruption to international shipping, they warned, threatens global energy markets and international peace and security.
The statement also highlighted the global consequences of the conflict, noting that disruptions to energy supply chains would affect economies worldwide, particularly vulnerable nations that rely heavily on imported fuel.
To mitigate potential shortages, the leaders welcomed a decision by the International Energy Agency to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves.
They also signaled plans to work with oil-producing nations to increase output in an effort to stabilise energy markets.
The countries further expressed readiness to support diplomatic and security efforts aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. They welcomed preparations by states working to secure the maritime corridor amid rising tensions in the region.
In addition, the coalition pledged support for countries most affected by the crisis, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman.
Any prolonged disruption is widely expected to trigger sharp spikes in global energy prices and wider economic instability.
The statement called on all states to respect international law and uphold principles governing international security and maritime navigation as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
