“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, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817,” the countries said in a joint statement.
Condemning the attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf and civilian infrastructure, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Japan, Canada and five European nations have expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict.
They called on Iran to immediately cease its threats, mine laying, drone and missile attacks and attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping.
“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 said.
“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,” it noted.
The countries expressed their readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.
They also welcomed the International Energy Agency (IEA) decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves.
They said they will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output, and will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
