Kathmandu. A total of 22 countries have warned Iran over tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The leaders of 22 countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Britain, France, Germany, Japan and Australia, have issued a joint statement expressing serious concern over the conflict in the Middle East and Iran’s involvement in the Strait of Hormuz. They condemned the Iranian attack on ships in Hormuz and demanded an immediate halt to the attacks.
The joint statement was issued by the leaders of 22 countries including the UAE, the 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.
Violation of international law
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“We strongly condemn Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure (including oil and gas facilities), and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces,” the statement said. We express deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to immediately end its threats, mining, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to disrupt commercial shipments and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. ’
The joint statement emphasises the basic principle of freedom of navigation under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The joint statement stresses that Iran’s actions will affect people around the world, especially the most vulnerable. Interference with international shipping and disruption of energy supplies pose a direct threat to global peace. These countries call for an immediate and complete halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations. Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and calls on all states to respect international law.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has decided to extract oil from its strategic petroleum reserves in the wake of the growing crisis. The decision has been welcomed by 22 countries.
In addition, efforts are being made to increase production in collaboration with some producing countries to stabilize energy markets. These countries will provide assistance to the countries most affected by the crisis through international financial institutions (IFIs) and the United Nations. Several countries have already started preliminary plans to ensure safe passage through Hormuz. –Agency
