Thank you, Chair.

Australia commends the work of the International Maritime Organization, in concert with broader diplomatic initiatives, to help safeguard the safety of stranded civilian seafarers, and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

It is deeply disappointing that the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran have ended without agreement. The priority now must be to avoid escalation and seek a return to negotiations.

We continue to want to see a swift resolution to this conflict.

Any escalation in the conflict would impose an even greater human cost and further impact the global economy.

The effective closure of the Strait, coupled with Iran’s threats and attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices worldwide.

The human cost of this conflict is growing. In our region, Pacific Island countries are uniquely exposed to supply‑chain disruptions, rising fuel costs, and shortages that threaten essential services and food security. Once again, the world’s most vulnerable are bearing the greatest burden.

The international community must ensure the Strait of Hormuz is not held hostage by the Iranian regime. Navigational rights and freedoms, in accordance with international law, must be respected.

Seafarer safety must remain the IMO’s highest priority.

Australia recalls the Council’s decision at its 36th Extraordinary Session, and commends the United Arab Emirates for its submission to the International Maritime Organization Legal Committee.

• We support condemning Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as a grave threat to maritime safety and the lives of seafarers; and its threats and attacks against merchant vessels in the Gulf Region.
• We support inviting the Secretary-General continuing to work with relevant organisations to monitor and report on the negative impact of Iran’s actions on international shipping and seafarer safety.
• And we support demanding that Iran ceases its attacks on merchant vessels; remove any sea mines it may have laid; and abide by its obligations under international law regarding the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz.

Australia will continue to support UN action, and efforts by international partners to ensure safe and unhindered maritime transit and safeguard seafarers.

We again call on Iran and its proxies to cease their dangerous and destabilising attacks, which place civilians and civilian infrastructure at grave risk.

We ask that this statement be appended to the report of this Committee.

Thank you.