The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan jointly announced their readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, following repeated disruptions to commercial shipping in the Gulf.
The statement, released by the Prime Minister’s Office in the UK, condemned “recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.” The six nations called on Iran to “cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping,” and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
The joint statement emphasized that interference with international shipping and disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. It also welcomed “the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning” and signaled openness to a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves, as authorized by the International Energy Agency.
The move comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Iran repeatedly targeting energy infrastructure and threatening shipping routes since the start of hostilities on February 28th. A team of military planners from the United Kingdom is currently working with the U.S. Military on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, CBS News reported Wednesday.
While allies have been hesitant to join U.S. Military operations during active combat, officials have indicated that the U.K. And Japan could consider providing assets such as mine detection equipment after hostilities conclude. This issue is expected to be discussed Thursday when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with President Trump at the White House.
Prime Minister Takaichi has publicly stated that Japan’s constitution would not permit the use of its self-defense forces in an offensive operation. The six nations signing the statement affirmed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
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