Representatives of more than 40 countries on Thursday called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and respecting the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and international maritime law. This was announced in a statement after the virtual negotiations by British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, reports TASR.
“Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a direct threat to global prosperity,” said Cooper in a statement published on the website of the British ministry. According to her, Thursday’s meeting clearly demonstrated the determination of the international community to ensure freedom of navigation and the reopening of the strategic strait – one of the most critical maritime corridors in the world.
Cooper claims that representatives discussed several areas of possible collective and coordinated activity. One option is to increase international diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, aimed at sending a clear and coordinated message to Iran to allow unrestricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz and unequivocally reject the introduction of fees for ships wishing to pass through the Strait.
Another option is to explore coordinated economic and political measures, such as sanctions, to put pressure on Iran if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The statement went on to say it was working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to secure the release of thousands of ships and seafarers.who stuck in the strait, and to resume shipping.
The last of these options is joint action to promote greater trust in the market and in operations – this includes working with shipping operators and industry organizations to ensure clear and timely information sharing. Cooper added that representatives agreed to continue discussions on the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to attacks by Israel and the United States that began on February 28. Its shutdown affected global supplies of critical commodities, including oil, liquefied natural gas and fertilizers, leading to a spike in energy prices. Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani at Thursday’s meeting he called for the creation of a “humanitarian corridor” for fertilizers and other essential supplies across the strait to avoid new food crises, especially in Africa.
