Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands have said they are ready to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as an effective Iranian blockade continues to paralyse commercial shipping through the crucial maritime chokepoint.
The six nations issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning “in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf”.
“We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” the statement said.
The declaration comes as around 20 000 seafarers remain stranded on approximately 3 200 vessels west of the strait, according to the International Maritime Organization. In peacetime, a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the waterway.
The conflict erupted on 28 February when the US and Israel began bombing Iran. Tehran has retaliated with strikes across the Gulf region, with 23 commercial vessels, including 10 tankers, reporting attacks or incidents.
“We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict,” the allies’ statement said. “We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping.”
The statement emphasised that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” it added.
US President Donald Trump has urged other world powers and NATO to help reopen the Hormuz Strait to commercial shipping, but they have rebuffed his call in the short term while insisting they remain open to discussions and planning.
A UK defence official told reporters at a briefing on Wednesday that the level of threat made it difficult for nations to commit warships immediately.
“We’re working closely with allies and partners in terms of what we might be able to do and what we can offer, as and when the situation allows,” the official said.
The official noted that London has sent a small number of additional military planners to US Central Command to help with planning and option development for whatever comes next in the Strait of Hormuz.
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