G7 foreign ministers demand immediate end to attacks on civilians; call for free Hormuz navigation

The foreign ministers of the G7 group of nations — the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union — issued a joint statement on the second day of a G7 meeting hosted by France, calling for an immediate stop to attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Iran war. The ministers underscored 'the importance of minimizing the impact of the conflict on regional partners, civilian populations and critical infrastructure.' The statement addressed economic disruption: 'We focused on the value of diverse partnerships, coordination and supporting initiatives, including to mitigate global economic shocks such as disruptions to economic, energy, fertilizer and commercial supply chains, which have direct impacts on our citizens.' The G7 ministers also reiterated the need to restore 'safe and toll-free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.' The joint statement represents the most coordinated Western diplomatic response to the conflict since it began.