søndag 22. mars 2026

Europe and Japan Ready to Join Efforts to Secure Strait of Hormuz as Energy Prices Surge Amid Iran War

Leaders from Europe and Japan joined forces Thursday in an effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz so that global trade can once more journey through the vital passage. The announcement came amid rising concerns over the turbulent market, with European natural gas prices having jumped by 60% since the start of the Iran war.

In a joint statement, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan expressed a "readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait" and welcomed "the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning."

The leaders condemned “in the strongest terms” the attacks Iran has made on commercial vessels alongside oil and gas facilities and emphasized that “maritime security and freedom of navigation” benefits all countries. Citing the U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817, they called for Iran to immediately cease its ongoing threats to global trade and put forth their intention to intervene.