ISTANBUL

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have joined 20 other countries in expressing "readiness" to help secure the Strait of Hormuz shipping, the UAE's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

The joint statement was issued by the UAE, Bahrain, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, and Slovenia, in addition to Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Lithuania, and Australia.

On March 2, Iran announced restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that ships attempting to pass without coordination would be targeted in response to ongoing US-Israeli attacks.

The countries "condemn in the strongest terms" recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, as well as strikes on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, and the "de facto closure" of the Strait of Hormuz, the statement read.

They voiced “deep concern” over the escalating conflict, calling on Iran to immediately cease threats, mine-laying, and drone and missile attacks, as well as any attempts to block commercial shipping through the strait, and urged compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

The statement stressed that freedom of navigation is a “fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” warning that the consequences of Iran’s actions would be felt globally, particularly by the most vulnerable populations.

The countries emphasized that “interference with international shipping and disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security,” calling for “an immediate and comprehensive” halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.

They also expressed "readiness" to contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while welcoming ongoing preparatory planning by several countries.

The statement also welcomed the International Energy Agency's decision to authorize the coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves, saying that additional steps would be taken to stabilize energy markets, including collaboration with producing countries to increase output.

It added that support would be provided to the most affected countries through international mechanisms, including the United Nations and international financial institutions.

The signatories concluded by stressing that maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries, calling on all states to respect international law and uphold the principles of global stability and prosperity.

Before Iran's restrictions, approximately 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait each day, making it one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. The disruption has already increased shipping and insurance costs and sparked global economic concerns.

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had supported other countries in ensuring transit through the strait, adding that safe passage could be achieved if states such as Japan coordinate with Iran.

The US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, with Tehran retaliating with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.