Italy, Germany, and France to Secure Strait of Hormuz Passage Only After Ceasefire

Italy, Germany, and France are prepared to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but only after a ceasefire is in place.

According to Euractiv, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada previously issued a joint statement addressing Iran’s disruption of shipping in this strategically important strait.

They stated their readiness to contribute to ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels.

The countries also condemned the mining of waters, drone and missile attacks, and the effective closure of the strait to commercial shipping. They called on Iran to immediately cease its aggressive actions.

However, Rome, Berlin, and Paris later made it clear that immediate military assistance is not currently being considered.

Instead, they are discussing a potential multilateral initiative that would begin only after de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities in the region.

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime transport routes. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The strait lies between Iran’s coastline to the north and the territories of Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south.

Oil is transported along this route by Persian Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Any blockade of the strait creates critical risks for global energy security.

It is also worth noting that the Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a request to Congress for more than $200 billion to continue the military campaign against Iran.