Agencies | Srinagar: In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict, major global powers including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Japan have expressed readiness to “contribute” to efforts aimed at ensuring safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a joint statement issued by the office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the nations strongly condemned Iran’s actions, including threats to shipping, laying of mines, and drone and missile attacks in the region.
“We call on Iran to immediately cease its attempts to disrupt commercial shipping,” the statement said, warning that interference with global energy supply chains poses a serious threat to international peace and security.
As the conflict enters its third week, the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy corridors—remains effectively disrupted, with multiple commercial vessels reporting attacks or security incidents in recent days.
The leaders emphasised that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law and cautioned that continued instability could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable economies dependent on energy imports.
The joint stance reflects growing global concern over escalating tensions following retaliatory strikes by Iran in response to earlier US-Israeli actions. Damage to key oil and gas infrastructure on both sides has already pushed global energy prices higher.
While Donald Trump has urged allies and NATO members to take immediate action to reopen the strait, several nations have so far stopped short of direct military involvement, opting instead for coordinated diplomatic and security measures.
