22 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran's 'de facto closure' of Strait of Hormuz

A 22-nation coalition released a joint statement on Day 22 (March 21, 2026) condemning Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and associated attacks on commercial shipping. KEY SIGNATORIES: UK, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, Australia, UAE, Bahrain, and 14 additional nations (mostly European) STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: - Condemns 'de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces' - Condemns recent attacks on unarmed commercial ships in the Gulf - Condemns strikes on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations - States freedom of navigation is enshrined in international law - Signatories offer to 'contribute to appropriate efforts' to keep the strait open SIGNIFICANCE: The statement is the broadest multilateral diplomatic condemnation of Iran's maritime blockade to date. The inclusion of UAE and Bahrain signals that Gulf Arab states are directly aligning with Western powers against Iran's Hormuz restrictions — significant given that both countries host US military bases and have been targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks. The statement stops short of announcing a military escort coalition but signals political will for potential collective action. It follows Trump's call on South Korea, Japan, and China to contribute to Hormuz security.