Europe, Japan unite to secure Strait of Hormuz as Iran conflict escalates
As tensions in the Gulf intensify, leading European nations and Japan have pledged to join “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, amid fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.
In a joint statement issued by the office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan strongly condemned Iran’s recent actions, including threats, mine-laying, and drone and missile attacks targeting commercial shipping routes.
“We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats… and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping,” the leaders said, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to international peace and security.
NEW: The UK alongside France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan expresses readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz 👇 https://t.co/KeCAbEbdWy pic.twitter.com/uqtRF394En
— British Embassy Washington (@UKinUSA) March 19, 2026
The statement comes as the conflict involving Iran enters its third week, with the vital maritime corridor effectively shut, raising alarm across global markets.
Calling freedom of navigation a “fundamental principle of international law,” the countries warned that disruptions in the Strait could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable economies dependent on stable energy supplies.
The coordinated response underscores mounting international concern over Iran’s retaliatory strikes following joint US-Israeli attacks.
With oil and gas infrastructure damaged on both sides, energy prices have surged, deepening fears of a global supply shock.
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