From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The events of the past 48 hours underline the fragility of the truce in the Gulf.

The exchange of fire between Iran and the US risks undermining the agreement on a ceasefire and a process of talks to address the issues that led to this conflict.

Iran’s latest attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain are unacceptable, as are its attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Freedom of navigation must be upheld, in accordance with international law.

I urge parties to uphold the ceasefire and to meet their commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between Iran and the US.

EU Ministers will meet with Gulf counterparts in Brussels on Monday to discuss the situation.

As I emphasised in my visit to the Gulf, only dialogue and diplomacy can bring lasting stability and security to the region.