Joint statement on Strait of Hormuz by European nations, Japan, Canada
The Hindu
European nations, Japan, and Canada unite to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize energy markets.
Leading European nations, Japan and Canada issued a joint statement on Thursday (March 19, 2026) saying they were ready to join appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and would take steps to stabilise energy markets.
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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.
We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN 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.
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