PARIS (TIP): G7 foreign ministers on Friday, March 27, stressed “the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll-free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz” as Iran continues to throttle the key waterway, reports CNN. In a statement issued after a meeting in France, the G7 foreign ministers also called for “an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure if Iran does not reopen the Strait, but on Thursday he again pushed back his self-imposed deadline until April 6.
Allies have expressed openness to contributing to efforts to help ensure the Strait remains open but have been maintained that there must de-escalation first. Iran has reportedly sought to pass legislation to impose tolls on vessels transiting the waterway.
“We underscored the importance of minimizing the impact of the conflict on regional partners and civilian populations, critical infrastructure – and the need to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts,” the statement said.
“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,” it said.
(Source: CNN)
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