Six G7 members–Japan, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy–and the Netherlands have condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and expressed readiness to join efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise energy markets.
They also condemned Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations.
‘We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces,’ the leaders of the seven countries said in a Joint Statement issued on Thursday night.
They expressed ‘deep concern’ over the escalating conflict and called upon Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping.
They also urged Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
‘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,’ the Statement said.
They called for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
‘Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,’ the Statement added.
It said the effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
‘We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.’
Welcoming the International Energy Agency (IEA) decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves, they resolved to take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain oil and gas producing nations to increase output.
They assured that they will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs (International Financial Institutions).
‘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,’ the Statement added.
While a specific physical meeting for this Joint Statement was not reported, it followed a virtual G7 Leaders’ meeting on March 11 where the leaders discussed the escalating Middle East situation and condemned strikes against civilian infrastructure.
