Over 20 countries vow to protect shipping in Strait of Hormuz
Iran is condemned for attacks and blockade (photo: Getty Images)
More than 20 countries have pledged to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK government website.
The statement says that 22 countries, including European nations as well as the UAE and Bahrain, condemned Iran's recent attacks on "unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz."
"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," the statement adds.
The countries also called for an immediate and comprehensive moratorium on attacks against civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.
The statement was originally published on March 19 as a joint appeal from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan.
As of March 21, additional countries joined the statement, including Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Strait of Hormuz: Alternatives
Earlier on March 21, US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper said Washington had destroyed Iranian radar bases and observation posts used to track shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that navigation in the region would now be safer.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia recently proposed an alternative route for oil shipments while the Strait remains blocked, via the Yanbu Commercial Port on the Red Sea. However, this option is limited because only a small volume of oil can be transported to the port via the pipeline.
