G7 urges end to attacks on civilians, protection of civilian infrastructure in Iran conflict

GENEVA

Foreign ministers from the G7 countries on Friday called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, involving Iran.

"There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians in situations of armed conflict as well as attacks on diplomatic facilities," the ministers said in a joint statement after meeting in France.

The statement, stressing the need to limit the broader impact of the conflict, was issued by the G7 members, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with the EU high representative.

"We underscored the importance of minimizing the impact of the conflict on regional partners and civilian populations, critical infrastructure -- and the need to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts," the statement said.

They also warned of global economic consequences, pointing to disruptions in energy, fertilizer, and commercial supply chains.

In the statement, they stressed the importance of cooperation to mitigate "global economic shocks" affecting citizens worldwide.

The G7 further called for restoring maritime security in a key global transit route.

"We reiterated the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, consistent with UNSC (UN Security Council) Resolution 2817 and the Law of the Sea," the statement concluded.