Middle East War Update: UK, Germany, Japan, 3 other nations jointly condemn Hormuz blockage

Six nations -- including major European nations -- on Thursday issued a joint statement condemning the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The six countries were: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands. The development comes as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is approaching the end of its third week.

Expressing serious concern over escalating tensions and instability in the region, leaders called for an immediate cessation of attacks from Tehran.

In their letter, they appealed for peace, stability and protection of international maritime routes.

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Escalations began with joint US and Israel strikes against Tehran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader and triggered Iran's counter attacks against several counrties in the nation. Iran has been targeting its Middle Eastern neighbours, especially those hosting American military bases and assets. Its new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei -- the son of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- has warned the nations hosting US military bases of direct attacks if they are not removed immediately.

Here are some highlights from the joint letter:

• We express deep concern over the rising tensions
• Condemnation of any attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz
• Iran should immediately stop attacks in the Hormuz region
• Iran’s actions are having an impact on the world
• Energy supply is at risk of being affected
• Safe movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz must be ensured
• Steps will be taken to ensure stability in energy markets
• Maritime security and freedom of movement are essential for all countries
• We call for maintaining peace and security

Benjamin Netanyahu due to speak shortly

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to issue a statement at midnight India time.

US-Israel-Iran conflict explained in points

• The conflict began with the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by US-Israel strikes on February 28
• The conflict escalated sharply immediately after that as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against multiple nations in the region
• Soon after that, what initially looked like a regional standoff grew into a broader geopolitical crisis
• Tensions centered around direct military exchanges involving Iran and Israel
• The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical flashpoint in the conflict
• The maritime region normally enables the passage of 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas supplies
• Many financial experts have raised serious concerns over the impact of a prolonged disruption in global oil supplies through the Strait
• Crude oil rates have surged dramatically, touching their highest levels since July 2022 and largely hovering around the same band
• The situation has affected global trade, energy markets and financial stability
• Shipping routes through the Gulf are facing diversions, delays and higher insurance costs, disrupting logistical costs and fuelling inflationary pressures in several countries
• India ramped up its domestic energy production, and explored oil and gas import diversification promptly amid soaring panic-demand for auto and cooking fuel
• Six countries -- including major European economies and Japan -- have issued statements urging restraint and warning against escalation
• Governments and international agencies are closely monitoring the situation, in particular maritime security and energy flows