News Desk
LONDON: Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada have issued a joint statement expressing readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran continues to threaten one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. The statement, reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation, urged Iran to immediately cease its threats, mine-laying operations, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to close the strategic waterway, warning that interference with international shipping poses a threat to global peace and security.
The joint statement came after US President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for what he called a “foolish mistake” in refusing to help Washington secure the passage, with all signatories except Japan being NATO member states. The nations also demanded an immediate halt to attacks on oil and gas installations and all essential civilian infrastructure, though it remained unclear what form the maritime security efforts would take. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto clarified in a statement on social media platform X that the initiative does not constitute a combat mission.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 16.1 million barrels of crude oil and condensate pass daily, has become a flashpoint in the expanding Middle East conflict. Iranian forces have intensified attacks on commercial shipping and energy facilities since hostilities began on February 28, with recent missile strikes damaging Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility—the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export complex—and driving oil prices above $119 per barrel while European natural gas prices surged 35 percent in a single day.
