Statement on the Strait of Hormuz from European countries and Japan: We are ready to contribute

The governments of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan have issued a joint statement condemning Iran's attacks and threats that have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to traffic, pledging to support maritime security. The joint statement said, "We condemn in the strongest possible terms Iran's recent attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and natural gas facilities, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces."

Expressing deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the conflict, the statement said, "We call on Iran to immediately cease threats, mining activities, UAV and missile attacks, and efforts to obstruct commercial shipping traffic, and to comply with United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2817."

Call for a moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure

Emphasizing that the effects of the war would be felt by people all over the world, the statement said, "Such interference with international maritime transport and the disruption of global energy supply chains pose a threat to international peace and security. In this context, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and natural gas facilities."

The statement continued, "We declare that we are ready to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. In this regard, we welcome the commitments of the countries participating in the preparation planning. We support the International Energy Agency's decision to release strategic oil reserves in a coordinated manner. We will take further steps to stabilize energy markets, and measures to increase production by certain producer countries will be among these steps."

The statement also included a commitment to assist countries most affected by the situation, adding, "Maritime security and freedom of navigation are in the interest of all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and to uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security."