Statement issued by 22 countries, including the UAE and Bahrain: We express our readiness to contribute to the appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz

A joint statement issued by 22 countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, has emphasized collective efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the region. The statement, endorsed by nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and others, condemns recent Iranian actions targeting commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and the de facto closure of the strategic waterway according to the joint statement. It underscores the importance of upholding freedom of navigation, a principle enshrined in international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as stated in the declaration.

The group called on Iran to cease threats, mine-laying, and attacks on shipping, aligning with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Disruptions to the Strait, a critical artery for global energy trade, risk destabilizing international markets and exacerbating economic vulnerabilities, particularly for low-income nations according to the joint statement. To mitigate these risks, the statement highlights coordinated measures, including the International Energy Agency's authorization of a strategic petroleum reserves release and collaboration with oil-producing countries to boost output as outlined in the declaration.

Participating nations also pledged support for affected countries through mechanisms like the United Nations and international financial institutions. The declaration reflects a unified stance to safeguard maritime security and global energy supply chains, emphasizing that such stability is essential for international peace and economic prosperity according to the joint statement. The response underscores the interconnectedness of regional security and global financial systems, with stakeholders monitoring further developments closely.