Quad urges diplomatic solution to Hormuz Strait crisis, rejects transit fees

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Foreign ministers from the US, India, Japan, and Australia on Tuesday (26 May) emphasised the importance of maritime security, called for diplomatic solutions to reopen the Hormuz Strait, and rejected transit fees affecting maritime trade. The call was made following the Quad Security Dialogue meeting in New Delhi amid ongoing US-Iran tensions. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar hosted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Jaishankar said the discussions were ‘substantive and productive.’ The foreign ministers assessed that the Indo-Pacific region would grow increasingly important to the world in the coming years. ‘The Quad’s responsibilities will grow with this development, and we must prepare ourselves,’ he said in a joint press conference. Jaishankar stated the four nations agreed to enhance economic resilience, strengthen supply chains, expand secure and trusted technologies, and increase production capacity. ‘We also discussed secure and unhindered maritime trade and stressed the importance of adhering to international law,’ he added. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Quad recognised its responsibility to provide tangible options amid worsening regional strategic conditions. ‘We recognise the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and rejecting any form of transit fees,’ she said. Wong noted that global economic volatility is rising and the closure of the Hormuz Strait would have significant regional impacts. She also praised the US Secretary of State’s diplomatic efforts to restore freedom of navigation and ensure the smooth flow of critical energy supplies. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the ministers discussed the impact of Iran-related tensions on Indo-Pacific energy security. ‘We stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to ensure free and safe navigation in the Hormuz Strait and stability in the Middle East,’ he said. He added the Quad supports strengthening critical mineral supply chains and energy cooperation to bolster resilience and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions.