The UK, France, Germany, and 19 other countries have jointly condemned Iran for attacking commercial vessels and installations and for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid hostilities with the U.S. and Israel.

The leaders of the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia condemned Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz in a statement on Saturday.

“We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran 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 joint statement reads.

It added, “We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.”

The joint statement also expressed concern that “the effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” adding that “interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security.”

According to the leaders, freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It added, “Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.”

The leaders urged Iran to immediately impose a comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations that are engaging in preparatory planning,” the statement said.

Since February 28, U.S. and Israeli forces have launched “Operation Epic Fury,” an attack on Iran, killing Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials. Iran has fought back, firing several missiles at U.S. bases in the Gulf countries and shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Iran’s newly elected supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to avenge the killing of his father and other top Iranian officials while ordering that the Strait of Hormuz should remain shut down.

Experts have predicted that continuous blockades of the Strait of Hormuz could see oil prices currently at $100 per barrel hit $200 per barrel.