Tsahkna: All measures must be taken to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

TALLINN – Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on Thursday at a virtual meeting led by the United Kingdom and attended by 35 countries that all possible diplomatic and political measures must be taken to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"At a virtual meeting today, attended by the foreign ministries of 35 countries, we discussed possible steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. As approximately 11 percent of global maritime trade and a significant portion of oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf countries pass through the Strait of Hormuz, all participating nations are interested in restoring freedom of navigation in this strategically vital strait," Tsahkna said.

According to the foreign minister, Estonia supports all steps that strengthen maritime security and ensure freedom of navigation. "One effective measure could be to increase sanctions pressure on Iran and to counter the activities of Iran's shadow fleet," Tsahkna said.

Tsahkna added that reopening the strait is also important in the context of Russia's war of aggression.

"The current rise in oil prices and disruptions in the availability of energy in the Middle East have served Russia's interests, allowing it to earn additional revenue to continue its aggression against Ukraine. This trend must be reversed, and pressure on Russia must be intensified," the foreign minister said.

"Discussions and cooperation among international partners to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will continue," Tsahkna said.