An international coalition, including more than 30 countries such as Panama, has condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and actions that have disrupted navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a joint statement released on March 19 by the United Kingdom government. The text urges compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. It emphasizes that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that its violation risks global economic stability. The coalition also expressed its readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe transit through this vital maritime route, which carries a significant portion of global energy trade. In parallel, they backed the International Energy Agency's decision to authorize the coordinated release of strategic oil reserves to stabilize markets and announced they would work with producing countries to increase supply. According to the EFE news agency, U.S. President Donald Trump extended the deadline until Monday, April 6, for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its power plants. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that the words and behavior of the United States are 'a signal of contradiction,' as while they request negotiations, they continue aggression and send more forces to the region. The Panamanian government has not yet issued statements on its adherence to this coalition, also reported by the U.S. outlet Fox Business. The statement, signed by over 30 nations—including powers like France, Germany, Japan, and Canada—also includes Latin American countries such as the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago. The document condemns 'in the strongest terms' attacks attributed to Iran on unarmed commercial ships, as well as actions against civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, and what they deem a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement warns that these actions pose a direct threat to international security and global energy supply chains, with impacts that could be felt worldwide, especially among the most vulnerable populations. The signatory countries called on Iran to immediately cease threats, the use of mines, drones, and missiles, and any attempts to block maritime passage.
