Over 20 countries offer ‘to contribute to appropriate efforts’ to keep Strait of Hormuz open

More than 20 countries say they would contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iran’s closure of the vital waterway.

“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,” says the 22 countries, mostly European but also including the UAE and Bahrain.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” they say in a joint statement.

“We call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations,” the countries add.