Europe, Japan unite to secure Strait of Hormuz as Iran conflict escalates

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.

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.