UK and allies condemn Iran attacks and are ready to help secure Strait of Hormuz

The UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan have issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks on the Gulf and say they are ready to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise energy markets.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the statement says. 

The nations urged Iran to comply with international law and express “deep concern about the escalating conflict”, but do not mention or condemn the Israeli attack on the Iranian gas field on Wednesday that sparked Iran's retaliatory attacks on the region.