UAE joins 21 nations in condemning Iranian attacks, closure of Strait of Hormuz

The UAE has joined 21 nations in condemning the recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf and civilian infrastructure and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a joint statement, the leaders of the UAE, UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania and Australia, expressed "deep concern about the escalating conflict", adding that it has impacted "all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable".

They called on Iran to immediately cease all attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council 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," their statement read. "In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations."

The leaders expressed "readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait" and welcomed "the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning".

They also welcomed the International Energy Agency's decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves as they "take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output".

"We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs," the statement read.

"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."