The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a coalition of international partners have issued a joint statement strongly condemning recent attacks by Iran on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.

The statement, released by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was signed by the leaders of the UAE, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia.

The coalition expressed “deep concern” over the escalating conflict and called on Iran to immediately halt threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and other actions that block commercial shipping.

Signatories emphasised the need for Iran to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.

“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the statement noted. It warned that disruptions in the Strait could have global consequences, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The joint statement stressed that interference with international shipping and disruption of energy supply chains poses a threat to international peace and security.

Signatories called for a comprehensive moratorium on attacks targeting civilian infrastructure.

The coalition also expressed readiness to support measures ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and welcomed international planning efforts in this regard.

Additionally, they praised the International Energy Agency’s decision to release strategic petroleum reserves and pledged further action to stabilise global energy markets, including coordination with oil-producing nations.

The UAE and its partners underscored that maritime security and freedom of navigation are critical for all countries and urged all states to respect international law to uphold global prosperity and security.

This statement reflects rising international concern over tensions in the Gulf, which have intensified amid repeated threats to one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.