Japan, European Nations Condemn Iran’s Closure of Hormuz

London, March 19 (Jiji Press)–Leaders from Japan and five European countries on Thursday issued a joint statement criticizing Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route. “We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the (Persian) 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 said. “We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” said the statement by the leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy the Netherlands and Japan. It called on Iran to immediately stop laying mines, halt drone and missile attacks, and cease obstructing commercial shipping in the Gulf. While the statement did not provide details regarding “appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage,” it called on other countries to participate, stating, “We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.” The statement made no mention of Israel, which had attacked Iranian natural gas facilities and oil storage facilities. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]