Seven countries declare their readiness to join unblocking of Strait of Hormuz

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada have declared their countries' readiness to join the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz; the relevant text is published on the website of the British government

The statement was published on the website of the British government.

The statement condemns Iran's actions, which, according to the signatories, pose a threat to freedom of navigation. The leaders also pointed out that the rise in oil prices has the greatest impact on vulnerable groups.

The countries supported the International Energy Agency's decision to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to curb prices. The document states that the states plan to continue to take measures to stabilize energy markets, in particular, to cooperate with exporting countries to increase production.

Specific mechanisms for participation in restoring the safety of navigation are not specified.

Later, Italy, Germany and France clarified that it was a possible multilateral initiative after the ceasefire, not immediate military involvement, Euroactive reported, citing Agence France-Presse

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that NATO would have a "very bad future" if allies did not help the US unblock the strait. He also appealed to the United Kingdom, France, China, Japan, and South Korea to do so. According to The Telegraph, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused such participation; France, Germany and South Korea took a similar position. Reuters reported that Japan and Australia also did not support the initiative.

The Strait of Hormuz is a maritime corridor between Iran and Oman, through which about a fifth of the world's oil exports pass.

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