By Suha Ma'ayeh
The U.K., France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan called on Iran to immediately cease its threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and any other attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.
In a joint statement, the six countries condemned in the strongest terms the recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the gulf, the attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations and the de facto closure of the strait by Iranian forces.
"We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict," the statement said. "The effects of Iran's actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable."
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 19, 2026 10:01 ET (14:01 GMT)
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