Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada have expressed their commitment to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes in response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and threats to maritime security.
The joint statement, released on March 19, emphasizes the readiness of these nations to contribute to efforts aimed at securing safe passage for ships in the region. The leaders condemned Iran’s actions, including assaults on trade ships and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“We are prepared to contribute to relevant efforts to guarantee safe passage through the strait. We welcome the commitments of countries involved in the preliminary planning,” the statement read.
The leaders called on Iran to cease its threats, including mining, drone strikes, and missile attacks that disrupt commercial shipping. They also urged compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, particularly under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the document stated.
Referencing the same UN resolution, the leaders highlighted that interference with international shipping and violations of global energy supply chains pose threats to international peace and security. They urged an immediate and comprehensive moratorium on attacks against civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities.
The seven nations welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves. They also expressed their intent to stabilize energy markets by collaborating with producing countries to increase output and pledged support for the most affected nations through the UN and international financial institutions.
In a related development, Israel conducted an airstrike on Tehran on February 28, marking a significant escalation in military operations against Iran. Following this, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a “major combat operation” aimed at neutralizing threats posed by the Iranian regime.
Trump accused Iran of financing and training militant groups across the Middle East and stated that the objective of the military operation was to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In light of these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to give Iranians a chance to eliminate their “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Subsequently, on March 1, the IRGC announced the start of the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. bases.
Trump warned Iran to abandon its plans, threatening a “very strong response.” On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change of leadership in Iran, mentioning he had several candidates for a “good leader.” Two days later, the Iranian Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on this election, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” He had previously suggested that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
Leaders from seven nations have pledged to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iranian threats and attacks on commercial vessels. This commitment follows recent military escalations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, highlighting growing tensions in the region.