Germany aligns itself with the EU Statement to be delivered later.

Kitchens stay cold. Because liquid gas doesn’t flow.

Rice stops to grow. Because fertilizers can’t be applied.

Assembly lines stop running. Because energy has become a scarce resource.

This is what happens globally, when Maritime Security is attacked.

Mr. President,

Maritime security is not an abstract concept. It is the very foundation of our interconnected global economy.

Every country, whether coastal or landlocked, is directly or indirectly dependent on secure maritime routes and free and safe navigation.

This creates not only prosperity, but also vulnerability.

Disruptions in only one strategic waterway have the potential to affect livelihoods, stability, and economic resilience worldwide.

In the Gulf, Iran has created and armed a network of malign militias destabilizing the whole region.

We recount attacks on commercial vessels.

Kidnapping and unlawful seizures.

Such actions constitute clear violations of international law, including the law of the sea, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

And so does requesting toll payments.

Continued escalation, including missile attacks against civilian targets in the Gulf States, risks further destabilization.

And the effects go far beyond the Gulf.

Already now, the lack of fertilizer will lead to lower-than-usual rice harvests in Asia.

Already now, food prices on markets in Africa are rising because of much higher transportation costs.

Already now, humanitarian aid becomes less available for the most vulnerable.

This vicious circle has to stop before it is too late and before more people suffer.

Germany therefore supports the UN Task Force set up to mitigate these risks.

We call on all countries to support the UN’s crucial and life-saving efforts.

Mr. President,

Please allow me to thank you for the leadership you have shown in the past weeks by tabling two resolutions in the Security Council.

Resolution 2817 is a crystal-clear testament to the global opposition to the reckless actions at hand.

Germany deplores that the Security Council was unable to adopt the second draft resolution.

Germany is prepared to help ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities have ceased.

Our message, in coordination with all our partners, is this:

Iran must stop attacking other countries.

It must end its nuclear program.

The Strait of Hormuz must be open to free and safe maritime traffic.

To the benefit of all.