Abu dhabi: Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have joined 20 other countries in expressing their "readiness" to help secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as confirmed by the UAE's Foreign Ministry.
According to Anadolu Agency, a joint statement was issued by the UAE, Bahrain, and a coalition of countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, and Slovenia. Other signatories include Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Lithuania, and Australia. This collaboration emerged in response to Iran's recent announcement on March 2, restricting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and warning of targeting ships attempting uncoordinated passage due to ongoing US-Israeli attacks.
The coalition strongly condemned the recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf and strikes on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations. They criticized the "de facto closure" of the Strait of Hormuz and expressed "deep concern" over the escalating conflict. The group called on Iran to cease threats, mine-laying, drone, and missile attacks, and to refrain from obstructing commercial shipping through the strait. They urged compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
The statement underscored that freedom of navigation is a "fundamental principle of international law," as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It warned of global repercussions from Iran's actions, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations. The countries emphasized that interference with international shipping and disruption of global energy supply chains threaten international peace and security. They called for an "immediate and comprehensive" halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.
Additionally, the countries expressed their "readiness" to contribute to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and welcomed ongoing preparatory planning by several countries. The statement also welcomed the International Energy Agency's decision to authorize the coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves, indicating further steps to stabilize energy markets, including collaboration with producing countries to increase output. Support for affected countries will be provided through international mechanisms, including the United Nations and international financial institutions.
The signatories concluded by emphasizing that maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries and urged all states to respect international law, supporting global stability and prosperity. Prior to Iran's restrictions, about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait daily, marking it as one of the world's crucial energy chokepoints. The disruption has already led to increased shipping and insurance costs and heightened global economic concerns.
In contrast, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that Tehran had supported other countries in ensuring safe transit through the strait, adding that coordinated efforts with states like Japan could achieve secure passage. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, with Tehran retaliating through drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.