More than 20 nations spanning Asia, Europe, and the Gulf have expressed their willingness to support efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz amidst threats to shipping from Iran’s government.
In a joint statement issued Saturday, countries including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and several others condemned recent Iranian attacks on unarmed civilian vessels and oil infrastructure. These actions, they argue, are attempts to disrupt traffic in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions. We urge Iran to stop its intimidation tactics, including mine-laying and drone strikes, which hinder commercial shipping. Compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 is essential,” the statement read.
“The principle of freedom of navigation is foundational in international law, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Iran’s actions can have widespread repercussions, particularly for vulnerable populations around the globe.”
“We assert that interference in international shipping and disruption to global energy supply chains pose a threat to global peace and security. Therefore, we call for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including facilities for oil and gas.”
“We affirm our readiness to assist in ensuring safe passage through the Straits and appreciate the commitment from countries developing preparedness plans.”
Despite the U.S. and Israel having neutralized a significant part of Iran’s naval capabilities, including minelayers, many commercial vessels are still avoiding this crucial waterway due to the risk of potential attacks from Iran or its affiliates.
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command stated that Iran’s capacity to threaten ships in the strait has significantly decreased, asserting that U.S. forces are actively undermining Iran’s ability to exert power beyond its borders.
He noted that the U.S. recently carried out airstrikes on underground facilities along the coastline that housed missiles and launchers, which had posed serious threats to international shipping.
“These strikes not only eliminated the facilities but also took out intelligence support and missile radar systems used to track shipping movements,” he explained. “Consequently, Iran’s capacity to threaten navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has been reduced, and we remain committed to advancing these objectives.”
On Friday, President Trump commented that it is beneficial for allies relying on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its security, highlighting that the U.S. is relatively self-sufficient in energy, thus limiting the impact of closing the strait.
He suggested that while keeping the strait open could be a straightforward military operation, it would still require a substantial naval presence.
Considering that approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through this strait, reopening it for energy distribution is crucial for global markets.
