Finance ministers of 11 countries urge US, Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Finance ministers from Australia, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Spain, Norway, Ireland, Poland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have expressed concern over the consequences of the war in the Middle East.

According to Reuters, they have called on the United States, Israel, and Iran to urgently halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a joint statement, the ministers noted that the blockade of this key regional logistics artery has already led to a sharp rise in energy prices. They warned that extensive damage to energy infrastructure could create serious risks to global energy security and financial stability.

The ministers stressed the need for the immediate implementation of mutual demands by the parties to the conflict and an urgent ceasefire.