Six Nations Express Readiness to Ensure Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON – The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan have jointly signaled their willingness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released Thursday. The move comes amid heightened tensions and repeated calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for international assistance in securing the vital shipping lane.
The statement, published by the UK government, did not detail specific contributions from the nations, but welcomed “the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.” It also included a “call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.”
The joint statement condemned “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 announcement follows reports that U.K. military planners are collaborating with the U.S. military on a plan to reopen the Strait, CBS News reported Wednesday. However, allies have expressed reluctance to participate in active combat operations against Iran, with some suggesting potential contributions of equipment like mine detection technology after hostilities cease.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House Thursday. Takaichi has previously stated that Japan’s constitution would prevent the deployment of its self-defense forces in offensive operations.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, with roughly 20% of the world’s oil passing through it daily, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Disruptions to shipping through the strait could have significant economic consequences worldwide.
