CARICOM Voices “Serious Concern” Over Escalating Middle East Conflict

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Monday voiced deep concern over escalating hostilities in the Middle East and mounting instability in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that continued military confrontation and disruptions to maritime passage could have serious economic consequences for Caribbean nations and the wider global economy.

In a statement CARICOM 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 and military activity in the strategically vital waterway.

Founded on July 4, 1973, CARICOM is the Caribbean’s principal regional integration movement, established by Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago under the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Its principal founding leaders were Forbes Burnham, Errol Barrow, Michael Manley, and Eric Williams. The organisation now comprises 15 member states and five associate members, with its headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is regarded as one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global oil shipments and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas passing through the narrow corridor daily. In recent months, tensions in the region have intensified amid military exchanges involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, alongside disputes over maritime security and transit rights.

The regional bloc warned that any disruption to navigation through the Strait carries consequences far beyond the Middle East, particularly for small developing countries heavily dependent on imported fuel, food, and manufactured goods.

“These recent developments in the Middle East have profoundly affected maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, through which the right of transit passage applies under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” CARICOM stated.

“The disruption of transit passage has consequences which reverberate across the global economy – through energy markets, supply chains and increased freight costs, thereby limiting countries’ access to critical supplies, and disproportionately affecting small import-dependent states.”

For Caribbean countries already grappling with high food prices, inflationary pressures, and vulnerability to external shocks, prolonged instability in the Strait could trigger higher shipping and energy costs, further straining regional economies.

CARICOM emphasised that all member states are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and reaffirmed their commitment to the international legal principles governing freedom of navigation and maritime transit.

“CARICOM notes that all Member States of the Caribbean Community are States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of the UNCLOS,” the statement said.

The organisation stressed that the rights protected under UNCLOS are deeply rooted in customary international law and are binding on all states, irrespective of treaty status.

“CARICOM also notes that the right of passage under the UNCLOS should not be contingent on any license, levy, or authorization, and bordering States should not hamper or suspend transit passage,” it added.

The statement comes amid growing international concern over reports of restrictions and heightened security measures affecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting fears of broader disruptions to international trade and energy supplies.

CARICOM urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, comply with international law, and prioritise diplomacy over military escalation.

“CARICOM therefore calls on all concerned parties to uphold and respect the right of transit passage, comply with all other applicable obligations under international law, restore safe and unimpeded transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels,” the regional body stated.

“Furthermore, CARICOM urges cessation of hostilities, and stresses the urgent need for de-escalation and restraint by all parties.”

The Community said it would continue monitoring developments closely while supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding global stability.

“CARICOM will continue to closely monitor the developments in the Middle East and remains steadfast in its support for diplomacy to promote sustainable peace in the Region and greater stability globally,” the statement concluded.