The President and other leaders issued joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz

President Gitanas Nausėda, together with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bahrain, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, issued a joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

"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," the statement reads.

The leaders expressed deep concern about the escalating conflict and called on Iran to immediately cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

"Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The effects of Iran's actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable," the leaders warned.

Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. The statement calls for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.

"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. We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorize a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. We will take other steps to stabilize energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output," the statement reads.

The leaders also expressed their determination to work together to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions.

The statement concludes that maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. Therefore, all states are urged to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.