Caricom Raises Alarm Over Middle East Conflict, Calls for Protection of Global Shipping Routes

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has expressed “serious concern” over escalating hostilities in the Middle East, particularly military activity affecting the Strait of Hormuz, warning of far-reaching consequences for global trade and vulnerable economies.
In a statement issued yesterday, the regional body said it was “alarmed by the severe loss of life, threats to civil infrastructure, and the instability in global markets” arising from the ongoing conflict.

Tensions have intensified following large-scale air strikes launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran. The situation remains volatile, with Iran signalling that indirect exchanges with Washington are ongoing through Pakistani mediators, even as negotiations appear stalled.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Tehran, declaring that the “clock is ticking” on efforts to end the war.

However, he indicated a possible shift in Washington’s position, suggesting he could accept a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear programme rather than insisting on its complete dismantlement — a key sticking point in previous talks.
Caricom underscored that the conflict is already disrupting maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. The passage is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees the right of transit passage.

“The disruption of transit passage has consequences which reverberate across the global economy — through energy markets, supply chains and increased freight costs,” Caricom noted, warning that such impacts disproportionately burden small, import-dependent states, including those in the Caribbean.

Reaffirming its commitment to international law, Caricom stressed that all its member states are parties to UNCLOS and that the rights it enshrines are binding under customary international law.
“The right of passage under UNCLOS should not be contingent on any licence, levy or authorization, and bordering states should not hamper or suspend transit passage,” the statement emphasized.

The regional bloc called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international law, restore safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels.
It further urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed diplomatic efforts, stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and restraint.
Caricom said it will continue to monitor developments closely, reiterating its support for diplomacy as the only viable path to sustainable peace in the Middle East and stability in the global system.