Joint Statement on the Strait of Hormuz
Romania joins the International Statement on Freedom of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Daniela Budu, 23.03.2026, 14:00
Romania joins the International Statement on Ensuring Freedom of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. ”Romania’s joining this initiative takes place against the backdrop of the serious implications that the closure of the Strait has on global energy markets, as well as on the world economy. The effects are also felt in Romania, especially in terms of fuel prices,” President Nicuşor Dan said. He added that Bucharest maintained its clear decision not to get involved in the conflict in the Middle East. ”We are working alongside international partners for de-escalation,” the head of state said.
More than 20 states, including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Japan, have condemned the critical situation in the Strait of Hormuz and called on Iran to de-escalate the conflict. In the Joint Statement, the signatory countries show that they are ready to “join appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz” and announce that they will take measures to stabilize energy markets. “We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s recent attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces,” the statement says.
The signatories recall that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” they warn. The countries concerned underline that such interference in international maritime transport and disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. “We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the signatories write, welcoming the decision of the International Energy Agency to hold discussions with governments in Asia and Europe on the release of additional quantities of oil from reserves “if necessary.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has given Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to unblock the Strait and has threatened to order the destruction of Iranian power plants if it fails. Tehran, in turn, has said it will completely close the Strait if Donald Trump carries out threats targeting Iranian energy facilities. Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes, on February 28, when the United States and Israel attacked it. Bordered to the north by Iran and to the south by Oman and the United Arab Emirates, this waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. According to the BBC, about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas usually pass through the Strait, with oil coming not only from Iran but also from other Gulf states. Global fuel prices have risen considerably following the war. (LS)
